Andaleep Sehgal to be heard in-camera by Pathak panel

NEW DELHI: In the first hearing before it, Pathak Inquiry Authority will examine Hamadan Exports director Andaleep Sehgal in connection with oil-for-food scam.

The Authority's move comes after former External Affairs Minister K Natwar Singh, named as a non-contractual beneficiary, his son Jagat and Aditya Khanna, a high-profile employee of Hamadan Exports sought permission to represent themselves during in-camera proceedings.

Sehgal, who is alleged to have passed on the kickbacks to Natwar and the Congress Party, had also in a six-line written submission filed before the body on May 18, made clear his intention to represent himself during proceedings to "avoid any unnecessary delays in the probe".

The body has also ordered that a six-member panel of lawyers acting as amicus curiae would now assist it.  Meanwhile, objections filed by dishonoured diplomat Aniel Matherani was rejected by the Authority on the ground that he had no locus standi to do so.

His hearing has been scheduled for the month-end.

The Authority shall personally hear Natwar on May 30 and posted Jagat's hearing for the following day.

Moreover, the body has also summoned some personalities from the media on June 9, 10 and 12 to clarify their position following an affidavit filed by Jagat that media reports about him having received the money in a London account and his father helping him to get the oil contracts "are false, misleading and made with malicious intention".