NEW DELHI: Attorney General Mukul Rohatgi on Wednesday said that the government obeyed the Supreme Court order in totality and submitted the list of 627 foreign bank account holders on whom tax probe is on.
Rohatgi said, “We have submitted the list in sealed cover as directed by the SC. We have nothing to hide.”
“The only worry the present government is facing is with regard to the treaties having the confidentiality clause where it was specifically mentioned that names would not be disclosed in public,” Rohatgi said.
“We hope the SIT will not make the names public as it’s breach of confidentiality treaties with various governments,” he said.
He also clarified that the government is getting hold of more names and talks with other countries had already begun. Responding to a query, Rohatgi said, “Giving something in a sealed envelope to the court which was further handed over to relevant authorities is not a breach of confidentiality.”
“I repeat and reiterate that government has no problem if the Supreme Court sees the names. It can be probed by the SIT or any other agencies. We have no objection. The only worry of the Centre is regarding the terms of the treaties as they have a clause of confidentiality. Nothing should be done to impede our ability to get further information on black money,” Rohatgi said.
The Centre was directed by the Supreme Court on Tuesday to furnish the list of all individuals, who have accounts in overseas banks, legitimate or otherwise.