NEW DELHI, May 14: A journalist involved in Tehelka’s expose into fictitious arms deal today refused to depose before a court here as a witness saying the CBI has not reimbursed his travel and other daily expenses.
Mathew Samuel, who conducted the sting on former BJP President Bangaru Laxman and then Samata Party chief Jaya Jaitly and other government officials, said he would not depose in the case unless paid Rs 10,000 per day.
Mathew hails from Goa and holds the key to prosecution’s case against Hem Chand Pant and Narender Singh, erstwhile civilian officers in the Defence Ministry. He appeared before the court today after a bailable warrant was issued against him on an earlier date and said “it (the demand) has a history”.
“In the case against Bangaru Laxman and others, the CBI called me for 25 days. They said they will pay the air fare. I have a history. They have not paid even the Rs 200 daily expense,” Mathew told the Special CBI Judge Manoj Jain.
The judge said even though he felt that the “system does not pay adequate amount” to witnesses but the court is bound by law and cannot grant the expenses sought by him.
“After all why should anyone pay from his pocket? But there are rules and procedures that have to be followed,” the judge said.
“I’m bound by the law. Even if I want to pay you I can’t. Legally I can’t,” he said adding that at the most he can recommend the same to the Delhi High Court.
The CBI sought time from the court to consider the demand and the matter was posted for July 12 for recording of Mathew’s statement. (PTI)
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