Tehelka panel term extended

By J. Venkatesan

NEW DELHI, JULY 23. The Centre today extended till November 23, the term of the Justice Venkataswami Commission of Inquiry probing the Tehelka expose. While constituting the Commission on March 24, the Centre had determined its term as four months. However, in view of the enormous task before the Commission, its term was extended. The original notification has been amended saying the term of the Commission will be for eight months.

The Commission had directed the Centre to file affidavits explaining the procedures adopted in the 13 defence transactions covered by the `tehelka tapes.' It wanted details on whether there had been any deviation in the procedures and if so, what action was taken, and whether the imperatives of national security were taken into consideration in these transactions.

The Commission has issued notices to over 60 people named or referred to in the tapes, including the former Defence Minister, Mr. George Fernandes, the former BJP president, Mr. Bangaru Laxman, the former Samata Party president, Ms. Jaya Jaitley, and a number of serving and retired personnel to appear either in person or through their counsel and file their response.

The Commission's terms of reference include: inquiry into 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; Suggested action with respect to those found responsible by the Commission for their acts of omission and commission and inquiry into all aspects relating to the 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 the above.

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Section  : National
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