Tehelka probe panel begins in-camera proceedings

By J. Venkatesan

NEW DELHI, AUG. 16. The Justice Venkataswami Commission has conceded the request of the Centre for holding in-camera proceedings for the sensitive

defence deal, `Kornet-E', identified in the Tehelka tapes, and recording of evidence began today after the plea was accepted.

On the plea of the Centre for holding in-camera proceedings in respect of other transactions also identified in the tapes on the ground that they involved privilege information, the Commission said that each transaction would be decided on merit at the appropriate stage.

Arguing for the Centre, the Additional Solicitor-General, Mr. Kirit Rawal, submitted to the Commission that it would be in the national interest to conduct examination of witnesses and the depositions in-camera so that witnesses could make their submissions without any fear and participate fully.

Mr. Gopal Subramaniam, counsel for the Commission while agreeing with Mr. Rawal, however, said that it must be treated on a case- to-case basis on merits. He told the Commission that the Centre had not furnished full information in respect of certain deals such as import of hand grenades from Russia, advance light helicopter deal and T-90 tanks and submarines.

Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

Section  : National
Previous : Omar for probe into Hurriyat funds
Next     : LS passes bill on private borrowings