Monday, December 12 2005 16:26 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

New Delhi: Taking serious note of the 'money-for-question' scam, the Lok Sabha Secretariat today (Dec 12, 2005) initiated swift action by sending show cause notices to those MPs whose names figure in the TV expose asking them to submit their replies by Wednesday.

Stating this, CPI(M) leader Basudeb Acharia told reporters here that a decision was taken to issue notices to the members after two rounds of meeting Speaker Somnath Chatterjee had with leaders of political parties following the expose by the TV news channel.

The meeting also decided to set up a small committee of leaders to go into the veracity of the charges against these MPs and make necessary recommendations in this regard,he said.

In Rajya Sabha, the matter has already been referred to the Ethics Committee for urgent consideration and recommendation.

The CPI(M) leader and his party colleague, Nilotpal Basu, condemned the scandal and said urgent steps were required to restore the credibility and honour of the House and to "distinguish between the good and the bad".

"This matter has to be seen as an opportunity for Parliament to cleanse itself. The process should not be delayed and the matter should be brought to speedy conclusion as the whole credibility of Parliament is being brought to question", Basu said.

Replying to questions, Acharia said the principles of natural justice would be adhered to and those against whom charges have been made would get the opportunity to defend themselves. They came out in total support of the steps taken by the Speaker and Rajya Sabha Chairman Bhairon Singh Shekhawat.