Rajya Sabha condemns Katju's remarks on Gandhi

New Delhi, March 11 (IANS) The Rajya Sabha on Wednesday unanimously condemned former Supreme Court judge Markandey Katju's comments calling Mahatma Gandhi a "British agent".

"This house expresses its unequivocal condemnation of the recent remarks of the former judge of Supreme Court Markandey Katju against the father of the nation, Mahatma Gandhi, and Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose, who led the Indian National Army for the freedom of the country," the resolution read out by Chairman Hamid Ansari said. It was adopted unanimously by the house.

The issue was raised by Samajwadi Party leader Naresh Agarwal during zero hour, and saw members across party lines condemn the remarks of Katju.

Members also pointed out that he had called Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose an agent of Japan.

"How can any judge speak against the father of the nation? This matter should be given priority," Leader of Opposition Ghulam Nabi Azad said.

Leader of House Arun Jaitley said Mahatma Gandhi's role in getting India independence is second to none.

"I share the anguish of all members of house... Mahatma Gandhi was perhaps the greatest Indian citizen of recent era. His role in getting the nation freedom is second to none. To make such a statement about him... we outrightly condemn such statement," he said.

The finance minister added that it is reflective of the flaws in the system to appoint judges.

"This also is reflective, if persons of this mindset get selected to the Supreme Court, it shows the weakness of the system that we are trying to change," he said.

Katju, in a blog published on his Facebook page, said Gandhi was a "British agent" who did India "great harm".