Centre for in-camera proceedings

By J. Venkatesan

NEW DELHI, AUG. 23. In the light of the publication of some ``scurrilous'' portions of the Tehelka tapes, the Central Government today reiterated before the Justice Venkataswami Commission its stand for holding ``in- camera'' proceedings of the 13 sensitive defence deals identified in the tapes.

Mr. Kirit Rawal, Additional Solicitor-General, appearing for the Centre, told the Commission that leakage of transcripts of unedited tapes had compelled the Government to press its claim on privilege on all defence deals, thereby, barring making public the information relating to these deals. Also, there was no leakage of the transcripts from the Defence Ministry. The Commission said the matter would be taken up after the in-camera proceedings on the ``Kornet E'' deal named in the tapes, was completed.

PTI reports:

The Venkataswami Commission has decided not to screen the ``obscene'' scenes shown in the Tehelka videotapes during proceedings, as it is not going to benefit in the preparation of defence.

``The visuals ... show that they are obscene. We have seen them and we have satisfied ourselves that these are not in the interest of anybody concerned .... They (visuals) are not going to benefit in the preparation of defence. They are not necessary at all,'' Mr. Venkataswami told Doordarshan tonight.

However, there was no bar for anyone to get these tapes. ``If anyone gets it (these tapes) from some other source, there is no bar as such,'' he said, adding that hence the question of taking action ``does not arise''.

Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

Section  : Front Page
Previous : Home Ministry to probe if Tehelka violated law
Next     : Arafat seeks India's help