CBI seeks max punishment for Sukhram in DA case

The CBI today pleaded before a Delhi Court for maximum punishment of seven years to former Union Communications Minister Sukhram for amassing disproportionate assets of Rs 4.25 crore during his tenure in the P V Narasimha Rao Government.

Special CBI prosecutor Gurdial Singh told Special CBI Judge V K Maheshwari that the former minister, who has been convicted, is "liable for the maximum sentence under the Prevention of Corruption Act as wealth was collected by him during his tenure as a minister of Government of India".

Advocate S P Minocha, appearing for 82-year-old Sukhram, however, pleaded for lenient approach towards the minister on the ground of his poor health, old age and "good" past track record as a politician as well as the minister.

The judge after hearing both the sides reserved its order on the quantum of punishment

The judge said that he would pronounce the quantum of sentence against the former minister tomorrow.

Sukhram was convicted on February 20 under various provisions of the Prevention of Corruption Act dealing with criminal misconduct by a public servant.