Govt counsel drops out of Sethu case
Sept. 23, 2013
New Delhi: Solicitor general Mohan Parasaran has withdrawn himself from appearing in the controversial case dealing with the Sethusamudram project in the Supreme Court, saying his presence would result in a conflict of interest as his father is a counsel for one of the petitioners opposing the 25,000 crore shipping channel project. Parasaran said that he has asked the government to replace him.
Asked if his religious faith was behind his decision, Parasaran said the issue was simply about a conflict of interest. “My personal faith is there. No Muslim, Christian or Hindu will go against his personal faith. But the larger issue is conflict of interest,” he said.
Senior advocate Rajiv Dhawan is expected to replace Parasaran.
On September 16, the Centre had brushed aside objections raised by the Tamil Nadu government against the Sethusamudram project and told the apex court that it intended to go ahead with the venture.
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