TDB spreading false information: Abhishek Singhvi

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Abhishek Singhvi has said the Travancore Devaswom Board was deliberately spreading misinformation on his bill given for appearing in the Supreme Court. The original bill was Rs 93 lakh and was reduced to Rs 62 lakh, said a statement issued by Singhvi.
The Travancore Devaswom board had sought some relaxation in the bill charged by the Congress leader for appearing in the Supreme Court in the women entry case.The TDB had said that Singhvi had charged Rs 62 lakhs. However, the board expressed its inability to pay such a whopping bill.
“The board seems to have taken a political approach in this matter and is showing an unprofessional approach. These bills are overdue by over one year and despite several reminders, the board has not paid a penny. They are trying to deliberately spread misinformation to delay or deny payment,” said the statement.
“The board stands exposed for its duplicity. Instead of complying with their solemn and legal obligations, they have decided to indulge in petty disinformation tactics to avoid payment. Those who swear by such humongously revered duties are the last persons who should indulge in this,” said Singhvi in the statement.
He said he had appeared three times in the Supreme court on July 18, 2018, July 19, 2018 and July 24, 2018 and in addition held six long conferences , some lasting past 12 am at night.
“Singhvi normally charges Rs 20 lakhs or more per appearance in a final hearing matter before the constitution bench for regular final hearing and Rs 5.5 lakhs per conference. At the repeated request of the board he reduced the rates of his appearance to Rs 15 lakh per appearance and Rs 3.5 lakhs per conference,” it said.
“The total fee charged by Singhvi of Rs 62 lakh, is far lower than Rs 93 lakhs which would have been charged if no concession was given by Singhvi,” said the statement.