?This is the first such case before us?

Is it the first time that the PMO has been asked to respond to any corruption case as in the spectrum issue

November 19, 2010 01:45 IST

Excerpts of an interview by Indu Bhan with solicitor-general Gopal Subramanium:

FE: Is it the first time that the PMO has been asked to respond to any corruption case as in the spectrum issue?

SG: This is the first time that such a petition has come before the court. Private complaints are usually not entertained by the courts. But we have to deal with this issue for the first time now.

FE: Is it tough for you to handle such embarrassing volleys of questions from the apex court?

SG: No, not at all

FE: At what stage is the PMO involved?

SG: At the internal level

FE: Are you directly in touch with the PMO?

SG: Yes, we are scrutinising every letter.

FE: Was it necessary to seek PM?s nod for prosecuting a serving minister?

SG: Yes, at a relevant time.

FE: What does that mean?

SG: Now he (Raja) has resigned. It is not required now.

This article was first uploaded on November nineteen, twenty ten, at forty-five minutes past one in the night.