The Centre, on Tuesday, informed the Supreme Court that it has ordered an inquiry into the leak of conversations between the Chairman of the Tata Group, Mr Ratan Tata, and corporate lobbyist, Ms Niira Radia.
The Centre also claimed that it views the disclosure of such information seriously.
“I deny that the Government has adopted a lackadaisical attitude or that it was standing by and allowing leaked material of this kind to be freely distributed and published. The Government views the disclosure of such information seriously, and, in this context, an inquiry has been ordered,” said an affidavit filed by Mr Sushil Kumar, Additional Director of Income Tax (Investigations), on behalf of the Government.
It said an office memorandum on December 27, 2010, has been issued by the Finance Ministry appointing two senior officers to inquire into the leakage of “classified documents/telephonic intercepts.”
Comprehensive view
“The terms of reference of the Enquiry Committee are detailed and comprehensive and reflect the concern of the Ministry of Finance to properly investigate the matter, and to take a comprehensive view of the subject,” the affidavit said.
The Centre claimed that “it is not correct on the part of the petitioner (Mr Tata) to allege that it is the perception of Government that the leakage of such material and its consequential publication is not a matter of concern.”
“It is not suggested by the Government that it is under no duty to ensure that the wire-tapped material is not leaked,” it said.
Right to privacy
Mr Tata had moved the Supreme Court claiming that his right to privacy was violated due to the leakage of his alleged discussions with Ms Radia.
Mr Tata demanded a probe into the leakage of the tapes allegedly containing his conversations, adding that it should be ensured that there is no further leakage of tapes, if any, with the Government.