‘Expedite probe commissions’ reports’

“Justice Rajeswaran Commission was appointed by the state government to probe into the violence during the jallikattu protests in 2017, but the Commission has not submitted the report so far. Is the government serious about the Commission and law and order in the state,” asked Ramachandran, during the debate in the state Assembly. 

Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswami intervened and said, “The inquiry Commission is carrying out inquiry at various places across the state. We also asked the Committee to complete the inquiry and to submit the report at the earliest. We shall hope that the Commission submits its report at the earliest.” 

Following the reply, Ramachandran questioned about the Aruna Jagadeesan Commission appointed to inquire violence and police firing in which 13 protesters were killed in anti-Sterlite protests. “In the protest against the copper unit 13 people were shot dead. I do not mean that government killed all the protesters, but the report has not been submitted so far,” said Ramachandran, who also questioned the delay in submission of report. 

Chief Minister replied that Sterlite case is pending in Supreme Court and as the case is complex the inquiry is still going on. 

Law Minister CVe Shanmugam then replied that due to various circumstances there is delay in submission of reports by inquiry commissions and as far as Justice Rajeswaran Commission is concerned the panel has sought final extension of one month as Justice Rajeswaran fell ill, recently. 

“We all know the delay in submission of report by Jain Commission appointed to inquire the assassination of former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi. Though there are guidelines laid by High Court for Commissions the reports get delayed due to some inevitable reasons,” said Shanmugam.

Ramachandran also questioned the delay in submission of report by Arumugasamy Commission, appointed to inquire the death of the late chief minister J Jayalalithaa. “Apollo management has obtained stay for the investigation and it seems that the state government has done nothing to break the stay. The Commission instead of bringing the truth in Jayalalithaa’s death has brought shame to her and the government can disband the Commission,” he added.

After Ramachandran raised the issue there was a brief disturbance in the House following which Speaker P Dhanapal intervened and asked Ramachandran to change the topic of debate.