'Tainted' seek more time to reply

The three former ministers involved in the porngate episode, on Monday, sought a week’s time to file their replies to the show-cause notices issued by Speaker K G Bopaiah.

Lakshman Savadi and C C Patil were caught watching a sleazy clipping on a mobile phone of Krishna Palemar during the proceedings of the Assembly. Subsequently, the trio had to resign from the Cabinet. 

Speaker K G Bopaiah had issued show-cause notices asking them to provide their version of the episode by 10:30 am on Monday. The trio sent a letter to the Assembly Secretariat seeking extension of the deadline by one week to furnish their replies.

Bopaiah, who is in his hometown Madikeri, is likely to take a decision on their request after reaching Bangalore. 

“I am in Madikeri on some engagement. I will reach Bangalore on Wednesday. I will look into their request and take a decision,” Bopaiah told Deccan Herald. 

The three former ministers have been consulting legal experts during the last few days. They are likely to file individual replies, but only after consulting each other to ensure there are no contradictions in their statements. 

Once the trio file their replies, it will be forwarded to a seven-member House committee which will conduct an inquiry into the porngate episode. 

The panel will comprise four members from the BJP, two from the Congress and one from the JD(S). The panel will have to complete the inquiry process and submit its report by March 12. 

The former ministers have been barred from participating in the legislature proceedings till the probe panel submits its report. 

The Opposition Congress and JD(S) have been demanding that the three former ministers be disqualified as legislators immediately. They are likely to boycott the probe panel.