Why does Kalmadi want to attend Parliament, asks High Court

New Delhi:  Suresh Kalmadi has approached the Delhi High Court seeking permission to attend Parliament. The Congress MP and sacked Commonwealth Games Organising Committee chief is currently lodged in Tihar Jail. The Monsoon Session of Parliament begins next week. Yesterday, he withdrew a similar petition from a trial court.

During the hearing, the High Court asked Kalmadi's lawyer, "What is the need for him to attend Parliament unless there is voting on a bill or a motion? He can watch the proceedings on TV. If he wants to ask a question, it can be sent to the Speaker".

Kalmadi, 66, is a Lok Sabha member from Pune. The court has asked him to file an affidavit detailing how many times in the past five years he attended Parliament and how many times he participated in discussions and asked questions.

The court has also issued notices to the CBI and the Home Ministry on Kalmadi's petition, seeking their response.

The CBI has told the court that Kalmadi may try to influence witnesses, therefore if he is granted permission to attend Parliament, strict conditions should be imposed on him.

The court has also asked Additional Solicitor General (ASG) AS Chandhiok to assist the court in deciding whether the court has the jurisdiction to decide on such a plea.

The next hearing is on Monday.