Govt to go ahead with recovery suits against three former PMs

Giving reasons for the delay in filing the suits, he said a lot of time was being taken in examining voluminous documents relating to the use of the defence planes for unofficial purposes by the three former premiers over a period of time.

Jaisinghani said Congress has not denied the use of the planes by Rao and had even committed to pay Rs 5.52 crore dues from him. However, the party has been silent over the issue for the past three months, he said.

On the other hand, Chandra Shekhar had sought complete details of the bills for Rs 5.91 crore payment raised against him and Deve Gowda has flatly denied any liability of the payment of Rs 54.61 lakh as has been claimed by the Defence Ministry from him, Jaisinghani and government counsel Rakesh Tiku said.

"Since all the three former premiers are not making any clear commitment to make payments, the Government does not want to show any forbearance towards them," they said.