SC Throws Out Rafale Petitions: Anil Ambani, Shah Welcome Judgement

NEW DELHI: Reliance Group Chairman Anil Ambani welcomed the Supreme Court judgement throwing out all petitions on the Rafale deal with, "I welcome the judgment of the Hon'ble Supreme Court today summarily dismissing all PILs filed on the Rafale contracts, and conclusively establishing the complete falsity of the wild, baseless and politically motivated allegations levelled against Reliance Group and me personally. We remain committed to India's national security and to making our humble contribution towards the Make in India and Skill India policies of the Government in the critical area of defence, including our offset partnership agreement with our valued partner, Dassault Aviation of France."

BJP President Amit Shah said the apex court verdict was a “slap on the face of those who spread lies” demanding an apology from the Congress for its “childish allegations.” He tweeted, "Truth always triumphs! Court's judgment on the Rafale deal exposes the campaign of misinformation spearheaded by Congress President for political gains. The court didn't find anything wrong with the process, nor did it find any commercial favouritism in the deal.” He further pointed out that the court “held that govt had no role in selecting offset partners and found no merit in the demand for a probe based on mere perception of individuals. It, therefore, raises obvious questions on the motive of those working to discredit the deal, which is important for India.”

"For so long, they kept saying that the country's watchman is a thief, but the truth has finally been revealed," Shah said adding, “If you try to sling mud at the sun, the mud will only land on yourself."

The Supreme Court in its ruling earlier Friday made it clear that there was no “evidence of commercial favouritism to any private entity.” The 3 member judge headed by the Chief Justice of India Ranjan Gogoi asserted that, "perception by individuals cannot be the subject of roving inquiry" by the court.

The court ruling comes as a major relief to the government and a blow to the Congress that however, continued to insist it will move for a Joint Parliamentary Committee probe even now. Examining a clutch of petition the SC bench made it clear "We can't sit in judgement over the wisdom of purchase of aircraft.” And that it was "not the job of this court to go into the differential pricing details, which must be kept confidential.”

The full text of the judgement: