Committee resolves to summons Sahara CEO

Former Sahara Computers chief executive Ashu Chawla will be served with a summons to testify before a parliamentary inquiry that is probing the naturalisation of the Gupta family. Parliament is hoping to have Chawla – who was key in the facilitation of the naturalisation of the Gupta family – testify next year. The Mercury reports this was revealed by Home Affairs Committee chairperson, Hlomane Chauke, after the committee was unable to proceed with the inquiry yesterday. Chawla had previously not been available to testify on the dates that were set aside for him in October, as he was in India. Chauke noted that they were supposed to hold an inquiry yesterday but could not do so due to Chawla’s absence. ‘With Chawla and his lawyer, we don’t find much joy and co-operation,’ Chauke said. However, he noted that the committee had previously resolved to summon the Gupta associate. Chauke said they would start afresh the process of issuing the summons. He said they wanted Chawla and his lawyer to appear before the Gupta naturalisation inquiry at a date to be determined next year. ‘It is clear that he is playing games with us. We will issue summonses for his lawyer and himself to appear before the committee,’ Chauke said.