Two of the three former BJP ministers allegedly involved in the porn film scandal, are likely to be let off the hook, said sources. The tainted trio is being investigated by a House committee for their involvement in the shameful episode which happened in the Karnataka Legislative Assembly. According to the sources, two ex-ministers – Krishna Palemar and C.C. Patil—could get a reprieve while the third – Lakshman Savadi—may have to face the music.
“The Committee felt that there was no evidence to prove that the mobile phone used inside the Assembly to view porn, belonged to Palemar. The visual evidence against Patil shows that he had actually watched the clipping only for eight seconds and later switched off the mobile phone. Also, in his affidavit, Patil has claimed that he cannot read or see without the aid of spectacles. The Committee seems convinced with this argument. However, as Savadi has accepted his mistake, he is likely to face action,” said sources.
The four-member Committee, which held its sixth meeting on Friday, reexamined the CCTV footages, CDs and the legal draft and plans to hold the seventh and final meeting on March 19. While Assembly Speaker K.G. Bopaiah has already barred the entry of the three MLAs into the House during the Budget session that commences on March 20, it remains to be seen what action the Panel recommends in its report to be submitted on the same day to the Speaker.
The seven-member House Panel appointed by the Speaker to probe the incident and make recommendations to avert such incidents in future, was reduced to four-members after two Congress members and a JD(S) member opted out. “Despite the Speaker and the Panel urging Opposition members to take part in the probe, they chose to boycott the proceedings. However, there is no reason to suspect the report will be one-sided as we all understand how important a House Committee is. We will ensure that the sanctity of the panel is preserved,” said S.R. Vishwanath, one of the Committee members.
Sources said the Panel has made several observations on the procedures followed by TV channels that telecast the porngate episode and has raised questions over ethical issues facing the media. While, one of the channels had blurred the visuals, a second channel had reportedly downloaded the clipping from the Net and directly relayed it. The Panel is likely to make recommendations to prevent such incidents in future. In all probability, members will be prevented from carrying mobile phones into the House, said sources.