Wednesday, April 6 2005 22:11 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

New Delhi: Former Defence Minister George Fernandes today (Apr 6, 2005) said he was not afraid of facing any inquiry into the purchase of arms and other systems during the Kargil conflict of 1999.

"The Government is most welcome to take up all cases against me," he told newsmen after a half-hour meeting with Home Minister Shivraj Patil.

"I have not so far seen any FIR or any inquiry lodged against me. If they prosecute me, I will welcome it."

His statement came a day after the Government made it clear that it had not given a clean-chit in the Supreme Court to Fernandes with regard to allegations of irregularities in the Kargil arms purchases.