Cutting across political divide, Rajya Sabha members today condemned former Supreme Court judge Markandey Katju for calling Mahatma Gandhi a British agent and Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose a Japanese one. The Zero Hour saw members from opposition and treasury benches coming together to condemn Justice Katju's remarks. House later unanimously adopted a resolution by a voice vote.

"This House expresses its unequivocal condemnation of the recent remarks of the former judge of the Supreme Court, Shri Justice 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," said the resolution.

"It is unquestionable that Gandhi probably has been the greatest citizen of India in the recent era," Leader of the House Arun Jaitley said.

S S Roy (TMC) said the resolution should also condemn Katju's statement that Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose was an agent of Japan.

Leader of the Opposition Ghulam Nabi Azad (Cong) said the entire world should condemn it.

Sharad Yadav (JD-U) wanted a resolution condemning the person.

Sitaram Yechury (CPI-M) said if the government is unwilling to move a resolution condemning the statement, it should come from the Chair.

Karan Singh (Cong) demanded action against the former Supreme Court judge, who has recently retired as the Chairman of Press Council of India.

By Premji