Panel directive to Govt. on Tehelka tapes

By J. Venkatesan

NEW DELHI, JULY 11. The Justice K. Venkataswami Commission today directed the Centre to file additional affidavits explaining the procedures adopted in the 13 defence transactions covered by the ``Tehelka tapes'' and if there was any violation of the norms.

The Commission wanted the Government to inform whether there had been any deviation in the procedures adopted and if so what action was taken as a follow-up.

And whether the imperatives of national security were taken into consideration in these transactions. The transactions described in the tapes among others included T-90 tanks, Sukhoi 30, AJT and Barak missiles.

Mr. Kirit Rawal, Additional Solicitor-General, told the Commission that the Government would provide the necessary details and sought 10 days time for this.

The Defence Ministry, which had already submitted 410 files and documents, however, claimed privilege for certain sensitive files.

It was submitted that these files would be made available to the Commission for circulation but not to the noticees and the public.

Apart from the 13 transactions, the government identified another one relating to `pipeline transaction', for which it said information had to be furnished by the Petroleum Ministry.

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Section  : National
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