Beni Prasad Verma courts a fresh controversy

NEW DELHI: Kicking up another controversy, Steel Minister Beni Prasad Verma today took on the Supreme Court for its directions on a whole gamut of issues, saying it is better for the industry to invite a judge of the apex court at a function than a minister.

"Coal block is allotted to you and then cancelled. Your invested money is blocked....Court is also giving direction. What CBI director can do? When court is giving direction, CBI has to act, government has to act. It is better that in such functions, instead of me, you invite a Supreme Court judge," Verma said at a steel event organised by Assocham.

Naveen Jindal, Chairman of the Jindal Steel and Power (JSPL), said: "Industrialists, who are setting up steel plants, often wonder whether they were doing any good for the country by doing that or committing robbery. Sometimes, it is alleged that he has stolen coal, sometimes it is alleged that he has acquired land in a wrong manner. So, there are allegations after allegations."

"Who is responsible for this? We all," Jindal said, adding that the country fails to recognise the role of the industry in the development process.

Verma, however, clarified his statement later saying, "I never said judiciary is stalling development. I just said they should be part of development process and must be called in such meetings."