HC notice to Centre for CVC inquiry in Air India aircraft deal

NEW DELHI: The Delhi High Court on Wednesday sought response from the Centre on an NGO's plea seeking a direction to the Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) to inquire into purchase orders of 111 aircraft costing a whopping Rs 67,000 crore to Air India.

A bench headed by Acting Chief Justice A K Sikri issued notice to the Centre, Air India, CVC, CBI and CAG directing them to file their response within four weeks and listed the matter for further hearing on November 23.

The direction of the court came on a plea of Centre for Public Interest Litigation (CPIL) seeking CVC inquiry into aircraft purchase deals of Air India and the role played by the Civil Aviation Ministry.

"The petitioner (CPIL) requests this court to direct the CVC to conduct a thorough inquiry into aircraft acquisition deals of Air India and its loss of market-share by giving up profitable routes and timings, and the role played by the Civil Aviation Ministry. If the CVC finds a prima facie case, it can then get the matter investigated through the CBI as per law," the application said.

Earlier, the high court had issued notices to Centre, Air India, CVC, CBI and CAG on CPIL's petition.

Later, it had also asked CVC and the CAG about action taken by them on the issues raised in the petition.

The NGO, in its fresh application, cited the CAG report to buttress its plea that the Civil Aviation Ministry acted in "haste and in mala fide" manner.