New Delhi:
A day after the Supreme Court's lacerating criticism of the CBI allowing the government to access its report on its coal investigation, Law Minister Ashwani Kumar, the lead player in the controversy, tried to deflect the blame.
He reportedly told his party's spokespersons that a contentious meeting at which he suggested changes to the CBI's report was called not by him, but by Attorney General GE Vahanvati.
However, a two-page note, released today by sources close to Mr Kumar categorically states that his ministry had called that meeting, a fact corroborated by other sources.
The meeting was held in the Law Minister's office, and was also attended by CBI Director Ranjit Sinha and Harin Raval, who resigned as Additional Solicitor General on Tuesday after accusing the Attorney General of lying to the Supreme Court.
So far, the Prime Minister has been backing Mr Kumar, though a section of the Congress reportedly believes it is "untenable" for the minister to remain in office.
In their note released to the press today, sources close to the Law Minister describe the changes he asked for to the CBI's report as "suggestions of a minor nature." The note also says that as the government's legal advisor, the Law Ministry is required to liaise with the CBI.
The Supreme Court yesterday ordered the CBI to explain in an affidavit on Monday what changes were requested to the CBI's draft report, and by whom.
He reportedly told his party's spokespersons that a contentious meeting at which he suggested changes to the CBI's report was called not by him, but by Attorney General GE Vahanvati.
However, a two-page note, released today by sources close to Mr Kumar categorically states that his ministry had called that meeting, a fact corroborated by other sources.
The meeting was held in the Law Minister's office, and was also attended by CBI Director Ranjit Sinha and Harin Raval, who resigned as Additional Solicitor General on Tuesday after accusing the Attorney General of lying to the Supreme Court.
So far, the Prime Minister has been backing Mr Kumar, though a section of the Congress reportedly believes it is "untenable" for the minister to remain in office.
In their note released to the press today, sources close to the Law Minister describe the changes he asked for to the CBI's report as "suggestions of a minor nature." The note also says that as the government's legal advisor, the Law Ministry is required to liaise with the CBI.
The Supreme Court yesterday ordered the CBI to explain in an affidavit on Monday what changes were requested to the CBI's draft report, and by whom.
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