RS chairman puts Jethmalani's explanation on hold again

RS chairman puts Jethmalani's explanation on hold again
PRESS TRUST OF INDIA

New Delhi, July 31: Former Law Minister Ram Jethmalani today made a second vain bid in the Rajya Sabha to make a personal explanation, which he described as a ``simple, innocuous four-page statement'' on his resignation from the Cabinet.

Jethmalani, who was earlier in the afternoon told by vice chairman Suresh Pachouri that his request was being examined by the chairman, rose again to repeat his request at the end of a calling attention discussion on the death of tigers at Nandankanan zoo in Orissa.

Jethmalani said that he had been sitting since morning wanting to make a statement. ``It is an inalienable right to be given an opportunity to defend myself over allegations made against me''.

He also said that he would not be available from tomorrow and so he should be told what was the position regarding his request.

Santosh Bagrodia, who was now in the chair, said he had not been told anything about the matter (request) and he could not do anything till he heard from the chairman. After this House took up the next business in the list.

Earlier when Jethmalani raised the issue immediately after the lunch recess, Pachouri said that the chairman had received his notice this morning and was examining it.

Both the former Law Minister and present incumbent Arun Jaitley were sitting since morning armed with files and law books.

Jethmalani's utterances against the Chief Justice and Attorney General, culminating in his resignation from the Cabinet, rocked both Houses of Parliament last week with Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee making a statement over the episode.