New Delhi, Aug 13: Lok Sabha speaker Manohar Joshi today sought comments from Defence Minister George Fernandes on a privilege notice against him for his refusal to furnish the report of CVC on defence purchases to Public Accounts Committee.
Giving his ruling on the notice given by Muslim League member G M Banatwala amid uproar over the denial of CVC report on defence purchases to Public Accounts Committee, the speaker observed "I have called for comments of the minister of defence in the matter.
"I will take a decision in the matter on the receipt of said comments," he said. In another ruling on a privilege notice against Law Minister Arun Jaitley by Banatwala and Congress chief whip Priyarajan Dasmunsi on the allegation of dilution of charges against the accused by CBI in the Babri Masjid demolition case, the speaker said he had referred the matter to Rajya Sabha chairman Bhairon Singh Shekhawat as Jaitley was a member of the Upper House.
"As Jaitley is a member of Rajya Sabha, I felt it would be appropriate, if the matter is considered by the Honourable Chairman, Rajya Sabha. I have, therefore, referred this matter to chairman, Rajya Sabha on August 1, 2003 for appropriate action," the speaker said.

Observing that he had also called for comments of Jaitley, Joshi said " after going through the material submitted to me by both sides, I felt that the matter required further examination."

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The speaker in his ruling cited several precedents with regard to privilege notices.

The privilege notice accused Jaitley of suppressing facts and misleading the House regarding dilution of charges by CBI against the accused in the Babri Masjid demolition case.
Bureau Report