Black money probe: AG Rohtagi defends NDA govt's position

, Oct 17: Attorney-General Mukul Rohtagi on Friday defended the Centre after former Union law minister and eminent lawyer

accused the government of trying to delay the black money probe.

[Read: Can't reveal names of foreign bank-account holders, Centre tells SC]

Jethmalani criticised the government after it filed an application in the Supreme Court saying it was unable to disclose details of foreign accounts held abroad by Indians. AG Rohtagi said the government couldn't reveal names of those foreign bank-account holders against whom prosecution was yet to be launched.

Rohtagi reportedly told the Supreme Court that if names of those who have not been prosecuted are revealed, it would dry up the foreign government sources that give information about Indians accumulating illegal money abroad. He also said the government is about to ink important double taxation avoidance treaties with many countries, including the US, in December.

Jethmalani took a strong dig at the government saying such applications could be made only by crooks who have illegally stashed their illegal wealth abroad. He said the new government was continuing with the former UPA government's policy in this regard.

The Supreme Court said in 2011 that all details of the alleged black money stashed abroad must be divulged. It will hear the Centre's application on October 28.

Jethmalani's strong reservation against Rohtagi over the black money is not new. The veteran lawyer had written a strongly worded letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi in June opposing the move to appoint Rohtagi as the AG.

He said he was against appointing anybody who is opposed to bringing black money from abroad. According to a report in the Indian Express, Jethmalani said Rohtagi's appointment would only send a wrong signal about the new government.

Is Jethmalani feeling vindicated today?

Oneindia News