PIL against Mulayam: SC seeks affidavit on motive

Supreme Court today asked a UP resident to swear on affidavit that he was not guided political motives to file a PIL against CM Mulayam Singh Yadav and his family members for allegedly amassing wealth disproportionate to known sources of income.

‘‘You file an affidavit by tomorrow that you are not affiliated to any political party,’’ a Bench comprising Justice Ruma Pal and Justice B N Srikrishna said when it was alleged that petitioner Vishwanath Chaturvedi was associated with Congress party.

Mukul Rohatgi, appearing for Yadav, countered Chaturvedi’s claim of being a social worker. ‘‘He is head of Congress’ PIL cell,’’ he said.

The Bench had asked advocate P N Lekhi, appearing for Chaturvedi, ‘‘Who is the petitioner? Is he a political man?’’ Lekhi replied ‘‘he is not a political man but a social worker’’. However, the Bench directed him to clarify his position. PTI