SC seeks details of Rafale deal decision-making process

​New Delhi: Brushing aside Centre's objections, the Supreme Court on Wednesday directed the government to lay out before it the steps in the decision-making process for acquisition of Rafale jets from France. A bench headed by Chief Justice of India Ranjan Gogoi made it clear that the Central government will not be required to answer issues relating to pricing of the jets and suitability of the aircraft in question. 

The bench asked Attorney-General KK Venugopal to furnish by October 29 the details of the decision-making process after which the court will examine the manner in which the agreement was entered into with France and the involvement of the Indian firm as offset partner. The court has also recorded in its order that there was no formal notice being issued in this case and that the allegations levelled in the PILs against the Rafale deal have not been relied upon in seeking details.

During the hearing, the A-G had sought dismissal of the petitions calling them "politically motivated" and involving "national security". When bench sought to know from the law officer if he was agreeable to adduce details only for the court, Venugopal answered in negative.