New Delhi:
The Monsoon Session of Parliament begins today, but will the scam-tainted former Commonwealth Games chief Suresh Kalmadi get to attend Parliament?
He has filed an appeal in the Delhi High Court to allow him to attend Parliament. The court had earlier snubbed him saying the government would not fall if he didn't attend the session.
"What's the need for him to attend Parliament? He can watch the proceedings on TV. There is no such important issue going to take place in Parliament that if you (Kalmadi) do not attend the session then the government will fall," the court had said.
The court supported Additional Solicitor General (ASG) AS Chandhiok's arguments that if a government servant was not allowed to attend any top meetings when they are in custody, how could Kalmadi.
The home ministry and CBI opposed Kalmadi's application saying he could influence witnesses while attending the session.
Meanwhile, Kalmadi today reached the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in New Delhi for a check-up to counter 'dementia' claims.
On July 28, Mr Kalmadi underwent a brain scan at the AIIMS and dismissed reports that he was suffering from dementia. He said he was "perfectly all right".
Kalmadi, an elected MP from Pune, was arrested April 25. The CBI had filed its first chargesheet in the corruption case on May 20 against him and 10 others.
The probe agency has described Kalmadi as the prime accused in the case related to financial irregularities in awarding a Rs.141 crore contract for timing, scoring and result system for the October 2010 sporting event.