UP assembly spares Rajdeep Sardesai

Uttar Pradesh Assembly on Monday dropped privilege proceedings against IBN-7 TV channel's managing director Rajdeep Sardesai after he appeared before Speaker Mata Prasad Pandey and expressed regret over delay in handing over of unedited tapes of a sting operation involving three legislators.

Sardesai handed over to Pandey a letter stating that it was not his intention to 'denigrate' the House.

Pandey told reporters that the contempt and breach of privilege matter was dropped following Sardesai's regret and the receipt of the unedited tapes of the sting operation purportedly showing MLAs accepting bribes and indulging in illegal activity as sought by the House committee probing the matter.

Sardesai, who was also present, interjected by making it clear that the regret was on the procedure aspect and not on the merit of the case.

The Speaker said a meeting of the leaders of the political parties was held to discuss Sardesai's letter and it was unanimously decided to drop the matter.

Pandey, however, said the house committee would continue with its investigation in the matter.

"My absence has neither been deliberate nor intentional," Sardesai said in his letter. "I have never intended to denigrate the majesty of the august house and the authority of its investigation committee.

"Any impression that may have formed to the contrary is unintentional and is regretted," he said.

The house committee had earlier held Sardesai guilty of breach of privilege and contempt of the house for failing to appear before it despite repeated summons and furnishing the original tapes.