Panel probing 2G procedure will not recommend action

The one-man committee set up to examine whether appropriate procedures were followed in the issuance of 2G licences and spectrum from 2001 to 2009 will not recommend action even if it detects lapses.

The terms of reference of the committee of retired Supreme Court judge Shivraj Patil announced on Monday do not include suggesting action, nor do they set a timeframe for completing the probe.

This despite communications minister Kapil Sibal saying last week that the committee would complete its report within 4 weeks.

Patil called a press conference at Sanchar Bhawan, which houses the department of telecommunications, to explain the terms.
He said, “I’ll only identify and point out lapses. It is for the government to take action.”

Asked if he would question former ministers, if required, the retired judge said, “We have the power to call officials, seek records and question them.”

But questioning of ministers (or former ministers) was not part of the committee’s terms, he said.

The panel will also go into matters being investigated by other agencies such as CBI, CVC and CAG. Patil said, “We will look at their reports, but will not call them.”