Venkataswami promises impartial probe

By J. Venkatesan

NEW DELHI, MARCH 31. Mr. Justice K. Venkataswami, head of the one-man Inquiry Commission to probe the Tehelka expose which had rocked the country, today said: ``I will not allow any political interference in the functioning of the Commission.''

Talking to The Hindu late in the evening, Mr. Justice Venkataswami said: ``I am commencing my inquiry with an open mind and without any pre-conceived notion. My endeavour will be to complete the probe within four months. So far I have not seen the Tehelka videotapes. First I will see the tapes and then decide how to go about my job.''

Mr. Justice Venkataswami took everyone by surprise when he assumed charge quietly on Friday at the India International Centre without the glare of the media. He discussed with officials on the appointment of the staff and modalities to be followed by the Commission.

Today, he met senior officials of the Home, Defence and Personnel Ministries and broadly discussed on how to go about the task assigned to him. The Commission would soon function from Vigyan Bhavan with the necessary staff.

Asked whether he would enlarge the terms of reference in the context of criticism from the Congress, Mr. Justice Venkataswami said, ``I cannot go beyond the terms of reference. But it is too early to say anything or commit myself on the scope of the enquiry. It all depends on how the enquiry progresses and the arguments advanced at each stage.''

On the possibility of political pressure, he said, ``throughout my judicial career, I had not allowed any governmental interference. I will not allow any such interference in this probe also, if at all there is any. I will ensure that the enquiry is impartial and make appropriate recommendations.'' Asked to comment on the probe being conducted by the Army, he said there would not be any conflict between the two enquiries as the Army was aware of the terms of reference of the Commission.

He also made it clear that his work in the Commission would not affect his work as Chairman of the Railway Rites Tribunal at Chennai, and there was nothing wrong in his accepting to head the Commission.

The terms of reference of the Commission include: to inquire into transactions relating to defence and other procurement referred to in the Tehelka videotapes and transcripts to ascertain whether they have been carried out in terms of the prescribed procedure and imperatives of national security; to inquire whether in any of the aforesaid procedural transactions, illicit gains have been made by persons in public office/individuals/any other organisations as alleged and if so, to what extent; to suggest action that may be taken in respect of persons who may be found responsible by the commission for their acts of omission and commission in respect of transactions referred to above and to inquire into all aspects relating to making of these allegations or any other matter which arises from or is connected with or incidental to any act of omission or transaction referred to above.

Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

Section  : National
Previous : Human error led to Patna aircrash, says report
Next     : Curbs on 715 items go from today