We had published a very long statement by Shri KML Asthana. Almost simultaneously we had published Editor's note saying that "there may be still issues which Shri Mehta, Shri Chhabra and for that purpose Shri Srinivasa Murty would like to raise...... but the time is not suitable enough for them to choose such a course and file replies." So friends, the Editor's note continued, "please avoid discussion. We can ill-afford another long and arduous round of discussion on any issues at present."
While writing these notes, we had in mind only the
Supreme Court case listed on 12th November 2014.
It was our desire to resume the discussion immediately
after supreme court hearing. But all along we felt that
an injustice was done by suddenly closing the discussion.
An opportunity to come out with the arguments in
defence of persons who were specifically mentioned
in Asthana's statement was denied to them. The
Pensioners Chronicle was under severe pressure
ever since to publish the story as may be put forward
by the 'other' side. And they were also justified in their
arguments and we felt that ends of natural justice were
denied to them.
Shri BR Mehta had come out with a note on the same very night of publication of Asthana's statement, but we found no reason to include the same. Shri Mehta had since sent the same note to about 470 email addresses. Again we were not bothered as our editorial policy and our principles were never under question and the Editor was very clear in his mind and there was no conscious bite on this account whatsoever.
Shri SN Chhabra has now come with a statement. Inter-alia it is his burden to say that the statement issued by Shri Asthana is prepared having the Conference of the AIRIEF to be held sometime this month in Bangaluru in mind. An independent observer will find this point sufficiently convincing as also appealing. The statement by Shri Asthana may be intended to be circulated to the conference delegates. For the same reason, we have been approached with a request that the statement issued by Shri Chhabra may also be published. And Shri Srinivasa Murty will also be fully justified to say what he wants to speak out in this matter. Shri Mehta need not be included in this list for the reason that his own statement has been widely circulated and the senior leader Shri SN Chhabra is given the privilege to intervene in the matter and represent the Panchkula Unit. The Bangaluru conference factor had escaped Editor's attention. We had only the Supreme Court hearing in our view.
With this brief explanation, we are publishing Shri SN Chhabra's statement tonight.
Editor.