Will consider A Raja's request on 2G debate when it comes: Meira Kumar

Lok Sabha speaker Meira Kumar today said she will consider any request from arrested former telecom minister A Raja to participate in the debate on second-generation mobile telephony spectrum scam once it comes on her table.

"Let his request come, then I will consider," Kumar told reporters outside Parliament House. She was responding to questions on Raja's reported request to his party DMK to allow him to take part in the debate on the issue of 2G mobile bandwidth allocation made during his tenure.

47-year-old Raja was arrested by the CBI on February 2, 2011 on charges of criminal conspiracy and under the Prevention of Corruption Act in connection with the mobile bandwidth scam.

He is now lodged in Tihar Jail under judicial remand following completion of his 14-day CBI custody.

Raja is alleged to have manipulated rules to favour some telecom companies in allocation of spectrum at throwaway prices.

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh has announced that the government will constitute a joint parliamentary committee (JPC) to probe the allocation of 2G mobile bandwidth.

A motion for JPC formation will be moved by telecom minister Kapil Sibal on February 24. Four hours have been set aside for a debate on JPC formation after the motion is moved.