The JPC probing the massive 2G spectrum scam is not just turning out to be a farce, but becoming another scam played out by Congress party members who give the impression of trying to save someone.

The main accused in the 2G scam, former telecommunications minister A Raja, has been desperate to depose before the JPC, headed by PC Chacko, a Congress MP. Unbelievably, Chacko is refusing to allow him to do so putting forth ludicrous reasons that convince no one. Raja is the main accused in the case, who not only lost his job but spent 15 months in Tihar jail. But Raja has always maintained that others too were aware of his decision (to sell 2G spectrum bandwidth and auction them), and that they concurred implicitly, if not explicitly. Most Indians believe Raja.

The 2G scam is notionally pegged at Rs1.76 lakh crore; an amount that can wipe out poverty in India. Few believe Raja managed to pull off this scam alone and only for himself.

And even if it is proven that Raja did it alone, it is worth investigating how such a major decision can go under the scanner and not raise alarm bells in the other ministries, including the PMO?The JPC’s job is to unearth the entire truth; that cannot be done without allowing all the accused and witnesses to have their say. It defies all logic and the principles of justice that Raja is being not being allowed depose.

Former finance minister Yashwant Sinha of the BJP has done the right thing in demanding that the JPC allow Raja to depose. His suggestion to PM Manmohan Singh to appear before the JPC and depose is also worthy of consideration. By doing so and answering all queries, the PM’s image of an honest man will not be tarnished but enhanced. It will also set a precedent to others prime ministers and ministers that nothing is higher than justice.

At present, the JPC only gives the impression that under Manmohan Singh, the nation of India continues to remain mired in corruption and cover-ups.