(Image source from: Essar group allegedly distributed iPads to politicians)

NGO 'Centre for Public Interest Litigation' (CPIL) on Monday filed an affidavit in the Supreme Court (SC) claiming that Essar group had allegedly distributed of iPads to politicians, bureaucrats and journalists by the virtue of the positions held by them.

It was sought for a probe monitored by court into alleged nexus of Essar group with whom the organization might have had or actually had official dealings.

Leaked email messages of the company were presented before SC by CPIL. The emails purportedly showed that iPads were given to 195 people in 2010. It seemed that 21 people have returned them back.

The affidavit said, "It is not clear whether all those mentioned in the list were actually given the iPads or whether they accepted it. But it is clear that Essar attempted to give an expensive gift item to various politicians, ministers, bureaucrats who might have had or actually had official dealings with Essar by virtue of the position held by them.”

Earlier, notice was issued by the court to the Centre and the Essar group, which talks about seeking an SIT probe into controversy arising from the leaked emails.

-Sumana