Mamata should be given benefit of doubt: Khurshid

Union Law minister Salman Khurshid on Thursday sought to downplay West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's controversial remarks about the judiciary, saying she should be given benefit of doubt as the comments may have been made in a particular context.

"I can't comment on somebody filing a case. Anybody can file a case but I have already commented on the issue. I think the chief minister's anguish must have been based on certain context and certain information she has," Khurshid told reporters.

"I think it is best for her to give further amplification or explanation, which, if she so desires," he said.

Khurshid was responding to queries about the petitions that have been filed against Banerjee for her remarks that many judgments are "delivered" for money.

"I believe in benefit of doubt, that she was doing it with the intent of strengthening the judicial system and the justice delivery system, is what I assume was the case. But frankly I don't think this merits any further discussion," he said.

A section of lawyers on Thursday moved the Calcutta high court, seeking suo motu contempt proceedings against Banerjee.

Another contempt petition against the Trinamool Congress chief was filed in the Supreme Court by JK Panthers' Party founder and senior advocate Bhim Singh.

Banerjee on August 14 had alleged inside the West Bengal Assembly there were instances when court judgements have been "delivered for money" and that there was corruption in a section of judiciary.