New Delhi:
The government has ordered an inquiry into how recorded conversations between PR executive Niira Radia and various businessmen were leaked.
The Intelligence Bureau and the Central Bureau of Direct Taxes will allegedly examine the leak. The transcripts of close to 100 conversations have been reported by several magazines over the last few weeks.
This morning, Ratan Tata filed a petition in the Supreme Court which asked for the Union government to order an inquiry into the leak. Tata, who is Chairman of the Tata group, is among the politicians and industrialists whose conversations with Radia were leaked.
Tata's petition says that he is not against any inquiry by investigating agencies, but the taped conversations must not be used for public purposes. Tata argues that the leaked tapes have encroached upon his right to privacy and that broadcast and publication of the transcripts should be stopped.
Radia was questioned last week by the Enforcement Directorate.
In 2008-2009, her phone was tapped allegedly by the Income Tax department as part of an investigation into companies suspected of possible money laundering and tax evasion.
The CBI has told the Supreme Court that Radia's role will be investigated as part of an inquiry into the 2G scam which allegedly cost the country 1.76 lakh crores, and forced the resignation of A Raja as Telecom Minister earlier this month. Raja was indicted by the government's auditor which said he undervalued 2G spectrum to award it at throwaway rates to a group of companies that he favoured, and which had submitted incomplete or incorrect information in their applications for spectrum licenses in 2008.
The 2G scam has paralysed parliament throughout this winter session. The Opposition says parliament cannot function unless the government agrees to a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) to investigate the 2G swindle. The government says that by insisting on a JPC, all the Opposition wants is the power to summon ministers and the Prime Minister for questioning -something it is not prepared to accept.
The Intelligence Bureau and the Central Bureau of Direct Taxes will allegedly examine the leak. The transcripts of close to 100 conversations have been reported by several magazines over the last few weeks.
This morning, Ratan Tata filed a petition in the Supreme Court which asked for the Union government to order an inquiry into the leak. Tata, who is Chairman of the Tata group, is among the politicians and industrialists whose conversations with Radia were leaked.
Tata's petition says that he is not against any inquiry by investigating agencies, but the taped conversations must not be used for public purposes. Tata argues that the leaked tapes have encroached upon his right to privacy and that broadcast and publication of the transcripts should be stopped.
Radia was questioned last week by the Enforcement Directorate.
In 2008-2009, her phone was tapped allegedly by the Income Tax department as part of an investigation into companies suspected of possible money laundering and tax evasion.
The CBI has told the Supreme Court that Radia's role will be investigated as part of an inquiry into the 2G scam which allegedly cost the country 1.76 lakh crores, and forced the resignation of A Raja as Telecom Minister earlier this month. Raja was indicted by the government's auditor which said he undervalued 2G spectrum to award it at throwaway rates to a group of companies that he favoured, and which had submitted incomplete or incorrect information in their applications for spectrum licenses in 2008.
The 2G scam has paralysed parliament throughout this winter session. The Opposition says parliament cannot function unless the government agrees to a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) to investigate the 2G swindle. The government says that by insisting on a JPC, all the Opposition wants is the power to summon ministers and the Prime Minister for questioning -something it is not prepared to accept.
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