The Press Council of India (PCI) Chairman, Justice Markandey Katju, has requested Justice J. S. Verma to inquire into the allegations and counter-allegations between Union Law Minister Salman Khurshid and the India Today Group.

In a letter to Justice Verma on Monday, Katju said some senior lawyers had met him and suggested that since there were counter versions from both sides, “it would be appropriate if the matter could be examined by some person of high stature.”

“I would, therefore, respectfully request you to hold a thorough inquiry into the allegations against Salman Khurshid as also against the India Today Group after hearing all persons concerned, and make your report public, so that people will know the truth”, the PCI chief said.

News channels owned by the India Today Group had last week aired an ‘expose’ alleging that an Uttar Pradesh-based trust for the disabled, Zakir Hussain Memorial Trust, of which Khurshid is Chairman and his wife the Project Director, had “siphoned off” Rs 71 lakh of Central grants by using “forged” signatures of State Government officials.

Following this, India Against Corruption demanded the arrest and ouster of Khurshid from the Union Cabinet.

On Sunday, Khurshid made counter-allegations against the India Today Group and threatened to move court.

In an indirect dig at the television media, Katju said “… often complaints are made that in their hurry to give breaking news, the media, specially the broadcast media, does not do proper investigation before attacking someone’s reputation. He quoted from the Bhagvad Gita where Lord Krishna said to Arjun, “For a self-respecting man, death is preferable to dishonour”.

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