New Delhi: Justice S N Phukan, Chairman of the Commission probing the Tehelka expose, has said sending the tapes of the sting operation abroad for forensic examination is not a delaying tactic.

Asked if sending the tapes abroad is not another delaying tactic, he told NDTV "absolutely not. Please read the order I have issued on November 9", according to a press release issued by the television news channel.

To a question as to why he did not consult Tehelka before sending the tapes abroad, he said, "I asked for their opinion by sending them notices. They now cannot complain about the tapes being sent abroad."

Replying to a question, Justice Phukan termed as "absolutely nonsense" the charge that he was "political prejudiced."

"Please check my record of being a judge since 1985. I have been the Chief Justice of the Orissa High Court, Himachal Pradesh High Court and a judge in the Supreme Court. I do not succumb to any pressure," he said.

PTI