MPs seek PM's statement on TN judge's comment

The non-UPA MPs, in their letter, said the judge had made a statement in the open court that a Union minister had telephoned him in a matter concerning a mark sheet forgery case with the recommendation that the accused be granted bail.

While neither the judge nor the letter named the minister, AIADMK leader Jayalalitha had pointed fingers at Union IT minister A Raja with regard to the call. The MPs said the judge had subsequently clarified that an advocate, appearing on behalf of the accused, had told him that the minister wanted to speak to him.

The letter said it was an attempt to interfere in the judicial process. “In the interests of upholding the principles of the independence of the judiciary enshrined in the Constitution as well as the highest standards of probity in public life, the people of the country do expect you to act,” the letter said.