Ex-ISRO chief seeks fresh probe into Devas deal

CNN-IBN | 20 Jun 2013 10:22 am

New Delhi: Former ISRO chief G Madhavan Nair has rejected the Law Ministry's claims that it gave reasons for blacklisting him and three others. Speaking to CNN-IBN, he has demanded a fresh inquiry into the Antrix-Devas deal.

This came after the Law Ministry report said that the reasons for blacklisting were posted on the the website and that was adequate action.

Following is the full transcript of the interview with G Madhavan Nair:

CNN-IBN: Do you feel vindicated by the Law Ministry note that you should be given a post retirement opportunity?

G Madhavan Nair: Certainly that remark is very welcome, but I'm wondering that after meting out the punishment, what is the point of asking for an explanation? I have been maintaining the stand taht the course of natural justice has not been followed and no legal procedure has been adopted in the Pratyush Sinha panel, so it is obvious that the report has to be set aside. If at all the government is serious about bringing out the facts they should order a fresh inquiry into the entire episode. I would stress that it is not only at the commencement of the Devas agreement but how it terminated. What the Law Ministry has brought out is tip of the iceberg. There are a lot of hidden actions by the Department of Space towards cancellation of agreement and they have not followed any rules in the cancellation of the Devas agreement.

CNN-IBN: The government says reasons for restrictions are already on the website? So don't you think you're not right in saying that you were not given reasons for blacklisting?

G Madhavan Nair: This is the biggest joke I've heard. The report was published two weeks after penalty. Is this legal procedure?

CNN-IBN: The Law Ministry note says that because you were retired, there is no need for a formal inquiry.

G Madhavan Nair: I am a free citizen of this country. How can the government or anybody take action without a chargesheet?

CNN-IBN: The Law Ministry says it has hurt your reputation? You feel vindicated by this as this is what you have been saying?

G Madhavan Nair: Yes, I am very happy that the government has understood the issue. I would say it is much more than any punitive action that one can think of. The blacklisting spoiled my reputation as well as the reputation of three of my colleagues. It is the highest order of punishment that can be meted out in a democratic country to a scientist.

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