Present AgustaWestland chopper purchase file: SC

Present AgustaWestland chopper purchase file: SC

 New Delhi, Nov 16: Wondering why a notice inviting tenders mentioned only AgustaWestland’s me, the Supreme Court on Thursday directed that the records related to purchase of a VIP helicopter by the Chhattisgarh government be placed before it in a week. A bench of Justice Adarsh Kumar Goel and Justice Uday Umesh Lalit summoned all files and documents on the purchase of AgustaWestland VIP helicopter as it was told that the bids were invited in disregard of then state Chief Secretary’s suggestion for floating a global tender to ensure bids from other chopper manufacturers as well. The court directed for further hearing on November 23. The me of Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Raman Singh’s son too is being mentioned in connection with the deal. The court asked senior counsel Mahesh Jethmalani, appearing for the Chhattisgarh government, as to why the notice inviting tenders mentioned the me of helicopter of AgustaWestland only. Why were other companies not considered even though the then Chief Secretary, in his note, said that the government should consider inviting global tenders, the apex court questioned. Jethmalani said the tender for chopper purchase was limited to AgustaWestland only as both the then Civil Aviation Secretary and the Chief Pilot had recommended the chopper by saying that they were much superior and would meet the required standards. 

Not satisfied with the state government’s reply on its choice of AgustaWestland chopper only, the bench directed for the presentation of the deal file within a week. The Chhattisgarh government had asked for two-week time. (IANS)

Top Headlines

No stories found.
Sentinel Assam
www.sentinelassam.com