New Delhi:
A trial court in Delhi has ruled that Home Minister P Chidambaram will not be held criminally liable for the telecom scam that unfolded in India in 2008 when he was Finance Minister. Judge OP Saini rejected a petition by Subramanian Swamy to make the minister co-accused in the case. Here's what the judgement holds out for all parties involved:
- Huge relief for government as it tries to recover credibility lost through many scandals led by telecom scam.
- Petitioner Subramanian Swamy says he will appeal within a month in the Supreme Court. "It has become mandatory for me to appeal in the Supreme Court...I will go to the Supreme Court within a month," said Mr Swamy. Perhaps he can eventually appeal to God, said Telecom Minister Kapil Sibal.
- Saves Congress campaign in crucial elections in Uttar Pradesh where it is attacking Mayawati on charges of corruption.
- BJP has to reassess: Demand for Chidambaram's resignation undermined by the verdict. Leaders like Arun Shourie and Jaswant Singh say party must stop "boycott" of Chidambaram in Parliament and participate in debates.
- The Government still has to deal with fallout of earlier Supreme Court verdict this week which cancelled 122 telecom licences. Indian Inc. and foreign investors are unhappy. Decision also an indictment of the government though Supreme Court blamed Mr Raja for the telecom scam.