BJP and ADMK set to raise House heat; Raja denies role

The Madras High Court judges claim that a Union Minister tried to influence him is fast growing into a political controversy...

The Madras High Court judges claim that a Union Minister tried to influence him is fast growing into a political controversy that is set to rock Parliament as it begins its Budget session tomorrow.

The ruling Congress has maintained silence with party sources saying that until the judge names the Minister or writes to the Chief Justice of India identifying him,the party can do little. But the opposition BJP and the AIADMK are determined to raise the heat amid speculation that the Minister could be from the DMK. The Bar Council of India has demanded action against the Minister under the Contempt of Courts Act.

IT and Telecommunications Minister A Raja today denied having made any calls to the judge but his close aides admitted that the Minister knew the accused Dr Krishnamurthy and his son Kiruba Sridhar since they hail from his district.

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It was during a hearing of their anticipatory bail plea that Justice R Reghupathy made the controversial claim.

I have not made any calls. I dont know anything about it, Raja told The Indian Express.

AIADMK leader V Maitreyan said the party has given separate notices in both Houses for discussion on this issue. The AIADMK wants the UPA government to name the Minister and sack him,said Maitreyan. The Law Ministry should seek a report from Madras High Court. Besides a case should be filed against the minister involved under the Prevention of Corruption Act, he demanded.

Said Bar Council of India Chairman S N P Sinha: By trying to influence the judge,the minister has committed contempt of court. Even if the judge pardons him,the Government should initiate action against him as this is a very serious matter. And there is also a need to probe the larger issue of the powerful trying to browbeat the judiciary. Union Law Minister M Veerappa Moily declined to comment.