The former Exernal Affairs Minister Mr.Natwar Singh and his son got a temporary reprieve with the Supreme Court staying the proceedings against them pending the disposal of their appeal against the proceedings of the Enforcement Directorate in what is known as ‘Oil-for-Food Scam’.
The scam came to light with the publication of ‘Volcker committee Report’ which had indicted him and his son among others as being involved in the scam. While Mr.Natwar singh lost his job; besides,the Government of India had also appointed a commission under Justice Pathak.
Though both the reports appear to have been forgotten with no serious action coming out, Mr.Natwar Singh and his son have been left to fend for themselves as the Enforcement Directorate had initiated proceedings against them for alleged violations of Foreign Exchange Management Act.
Mr.Natwar Singh along with his son had earlier approached the Delhi High Court seeking to quash the proceedings which was rejected and hence this appeal before the Supreme Court.
Their Adovate argued that the proceedings were iniitated with a malafide intention as there was no refrence of their involvement in the scam by them and hence sought their quashing.
The bench comprising of Justices B.N. Agarwal and and G.S. Singhvi besides ordering notices to the Centre had also granted stay of the proceedings pending the disposal of the petition.
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