MPs demand probe against UPA minister

The issue of a Union Minister, who allegedly tried to influence a Madras high court judge returned to haunt the UPA government on Friday.

The issue of a Union Minister, who allegedly tried to influence a Madras high court judge returned to haunt the UPA government on Friday.

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A memorandum signed by 180 opposition MPs demanding an inquiry into the matter was submitted to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.

“The matter should be investigated and the Prime Minister should make a statement in both Houses of Parliament,” said the memorandum.

A delegation of opposition leaders, including leader of opposition in Rajya Sabha Arun Jaitley, CPI(M) leader Brinda Karat, CPI’s D Raja and M. Thambi Durai from the AIADMK was assured by the PM that he would examine the memorandum.

Justice R Raghupathy of Madras High Court had made a statement in court last month that a union minister had made a telephone call in a bid to influence him in a case of a marksheet forgery, which was investigated by the CBI.

According to the judge, the minister had allegedly suggested that the accused be granted bail. Later, Chief Justice of India, K G Balakrishnan, had clarified on behalf of the judge that no minister had called him.

Opposition leaders said the government can summon the record and easily find out the name of the minister involved.