New Delhi: The Prime Minister's Office has
given a nod to questioning of Puducherry Lt Governor Iqbal
Singh by the Enforcement Directorate for his alleged links
with suspected money launderer Hasan Ali Khan.
Sources said the clearance was given when the file
seeking such permission reached the PMO.
They said that governors enjoy immunity only in matters
relating to discharge of their constitutional duties and "in
this case, there was no need for a permission from the PMO."
Home Minister P Chidambaram had said yesterday his
ministry was working out modalities for recording the
statement of the Lt Governor before the ED.
"The LG is willing to make a statement to the
Enforcement Directorate," he had said after a meeting with
Singh.
The ED is believed to have sent summons to Singh after
his name cropped up during questioning of a Bihar based
Congress leader Amlendu Pandey in connection with
recommendation for expeditious issuance of passport to Khan,
a Pune stud farm owner.
Singh has admitted to having given such a recommendation
but claimed he never knew him.
PTI
First Published: Wednesday, April 20, 2011, 00:02