Date:02/08/2007 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2007/08/02/stories/2007080261231400.htm

National

Kapil Sibal, Dasmunsi defend Sanjay

NEW DELHI: Two Union Ministers on Wednesday came out in defence of Sanjay Dutt. Science and Technology Minister Kapil Sibal and Parliamentary and Information and Broadcasting Minister Priyaranjan Dasmunsi said that the Congress should stand by the family of Sunil Dutt, Sanjay’s father who epitomised secularism and national integration.

Despite his support to Sanjay becoming a matter of controversy, Mr. Dasmunsi stood his ground declaring that the jailed actor was a “patriot” and asserted that he would “never disown” the contribution of the Dutt family.

Mr. Sibal, speaking separately and “not as a Minister,” said that “when the family is in trouble we should stand by the family.” The noted lawyer said he was speaking without going into the merits of the case.

However, AICC spokesperson Abhishek Singhvi said it was not for the Congress to comment on individual matters and individual convictions. — PTI