Don't disclose black money holders' names prematurely: ASSOCHAM

The Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India (ASSOCHAM) on Sunday urged the government to not prematurely disclose the names of black money account holders, stating that such a move could impede the battle against the menace.

A statement by the body said that the disclosure of the names might trigger a disturbance in the standing that India has with other nations in the violation of double taxation avoidance treaties. The body further appealed to political parties to understand the consequences that the disclosure of classified information of alleged illegal accounts might have and thus petitioned that parties take restraint in pressuring the government to give a full expose.

Earlier this week, Congress leader Ajay Maken had called for the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) to disclose the names of the account holders. The BJP had responded firmly with party vice-president Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi stating that the Congress had shielded the names when they were in power at the Centre.