Wednesday, December 21 2005 15:27 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

New Delhi: Stung by the way MPs are being made a commercial product in sting operations, a strong demand was made in the Lok Sabha today (Dec 21, 2005) for an inquiry into the motives behind the media expose. The members opposed scrapping of the MPLAD Scheme in the wake of a sting operation, contending that it was a good scheme, which needed to be continued.

Several members supported Prabhu Nath Singh (JD-U) who demanded action against the media indulging in sting operations, arguing the media had no business to intrude into MPs' homes with cameras and present the picture in a 'distorted' way to lower dignity of the House.

"No institution can be above the law", he said alleging that 'Operation Duryodhan' was sold to the TV channel for as much as Rs.58 lakhs by those who carried out the exercise.

Quoting from Kaul and Shakdher, Mohan Singh, SP, said the matter involved privilege of the House as any attempt to corrupt a member was a cognizable offence.

He said while action should be taken against those found guilty, those giving bribes cannot go scot-free. "This is an organised attempt to defame Parliament", he said.

Speaker Somnath Chatterjee noted that he has not said any MP was guilty and that "there is no question of any witch hunt against our own members".