Date:06/11/2007 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2007/11/06/stories/2007110659810100.htm

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Court: file cases against Jaswant and nine others

Sunny Sebastian

Jaswant has said only saffron, not opium, was served at the function
Name of Jaswant’s son who was also present at the function not mentioned in complaint

JAIPUR: A Special Court in Jodhpur on Monday directed the police in Balotra tehsil in Barmer district of Rajasthan to register cases against the Leader of the Opposition in the Rajya Sabha, Jaswant Singh, and nine others for allegedly serving/consuming opium at a family function in Mr. Singh’s ancestral village on Wednesday.

The directive from the Special Judge, Bhawani Shankar Kumawat, came in response to a compliant by a Jodhpur citizen, Omprakash Vishnoi.

Violation alleged

He alleged violation of Sections 8,17, 18, 27 and 29 of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act by Mr. Singh and others at a “reyan” (get-together) in Mr. Singh’s ancestral village of Jassol.

Separate complaints

The court directed the police to register cases against each of the 10 persons mentioned in separate complaints and carry out investigations on the charges.

It is likely that the police will take action only after the court order reaches them.

Traditional hospitality

Mr. Vishnoi, in his complaint on Friday filed through his counsel, Mallam Singh Choudhary, had alleged that opium was served as part of the traditional hospitality offered to guests.

Mr. Singh had denied the charge explaining that it was “kesar” (saffron) which was served to the guests and not opium.

The Ministers have denied consuming the opiate.