Delhi high court directive to govt in Kesri case

The Delhi high court on Wednesday directed the Central government to decide whether the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act is applicable to the Rs 37.5 million donations received by the Congress during 1993 and 1995.

Giving this directive, a division bench comprising Justices Mahinder Narain and S K Mahajan directed Additional Solicitor General T R Andhyarjunia to clarify the final position by the next date of hearing, November 5.

The bench was hearing a public interest petition filed by Patna-based journalist Madhuresh Kumar, who had alleged that the Congress had received the donations from three ''fake'' companies -- Decode, Doiba and Demonian -- when party president Sitaram Kesri was the party treasurer. The companies are reportedly based in Trinidad, Tobago and Singapore.

The petition sought the then party office-bearers's prosecution as the donations were accepted in violation of the FCRA.

UNI

EARLIER REPORT:
Court asks CBI to probe if Kesri's household expenses are only Rs 1,450