Law Ministry blocks move against Lalli

According to sources,the Iamp;B Ministry had,on August 3,submitted papers to the PM for his consideration. The documents were to be forwarded to the President for making a reference to the SC for conducting an inquiry on whether Lalli should be removed from office on grounds of misbehaviour.

The Ministrys move was based on the CVC report and on an opinion of Additional Solicitor General Mohan Parasaran. The ASG had concluded that the allegations against Lalli in the CVC report were serious enough to merit his removal. The President may be requested to send a reference to the SC requesting it to inquire into the matter and submit report for suitable action,said the ASG.

Three weeks after the Iamp;B Ministry submitted the papers,the PM sent the proposal to the Minister for Law amp; Justice for further examination following which the latter sought the opinion of Attorney General G E Vahanvati. The AG was of the opinion that the course of action being proposed was flawed and requires serious consideration.

The procedure is not justified. The preparations of papers for being submitted to the President,without asking for Dr Lallis version,is unfair and makes no difference whether the inquiry was conducted by CVC or any other exalted body, he concluded.