In a fresh face-off between the West Bengal Government and Governor Jagdeep Dhankhar, the latter on Wednesday said that he had not been informed about the Pegasus spyware inquiry panel and sought documentation on it.
Mr. Dhankhar tweeted: “As no documentation was brought to his notice regarding WB Govt Notification #Pegasus Inquiry Panel, WB Governor has directed Chief Secretary @MamataOfficial to make available the same by tomorrow 5 p.m., indicating his earlier failure is not in accord with constitutional norms.”
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Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee had in July this year announced the setting up of a two-member Commission of Inquiry comprising retired Supreme Court Justice Madan Bhimrao Lokur and former Chief Justice of Calcutta High Court Jyotirmay Bhattacharya to probe the Pegasus spyware row.
“Everyone is under surveillance…We had hoped that Centre will start an inquiry into the Pegasus row under the supervision of the Supreme Court. But this Government did nothing even when Parliament is in session. Therefore, before going to Delhi, we have taken the decision to set up a Commission of Inquiry,” Ms. Banerjee had said while announcing the Commission of Inquiry.
Communications shared by the Governor on social media pointed out that he had sought details on the notification and connected proceedings on December 6. However, since there had been no response from the State Government Mr. Dhankhar has provided “one final opportunity” to make available the notification and related proceedings by 5 p.m. on December 16.
Meanwhile, a press release from West Bengal Government a few weeks ago had said the Commission of Inquiry has started the process of recording evidence and acceptance of documents with the terms of reference of the notification issued on July 26.
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