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| ===Response=== | |||
| {{update|date=November 2018}} | |||
| The ruling party BJP welcomed the judgement and accused the Congress party of plotting conspiracy.<ref name="IT_BJP_16">{{Cite news |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/rafale-deal-bjp-will-hold-70-press-conferences-counter-congress-1410435-2018-12-16 |title=Rafale deal: BJP to hold 70 press conferences, says Congress conspiring against Modi |date=16 December 2018 |work=India Today |access-date=2018-12-23}}</ref> PM Modi attacked Congress and accused it of lying.<ref name="TOI_Attack">{{cite news |title=PM Modi attacks Congress over Rafale deal allegations - Times of India |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/pm-modi-attacks-congress-over-rafale-scam-allegations/articleshow/67113869.cms |accessdate=23 December 2018 |publisher=The Times of India |date=16 December 2018}}</ref> On the same day of the verdict, ], Congress president speaking at a press conference stated that CAG report on Rafale was never shared with PAC,<ref name="TheHindu_15misinterpreted">{{cite news |last1=Rajagopal |first1=Krishnadas |title=Rafale verdict: ‘Supreme Court misinterpreted statement made by government in sealed cover on pricing details’ |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/sc-misinterpreted-statement-made-by-govt-in-sealed-cover-on-rafale-deal-pricing-details/article25751933.ece |accessdate=23 December 2018 |publisher=The Hindu |date=15 December 2018 |language=en-IN}}</ref> Gandhi repeated his allegations of corruption against the Modi government and stated that his party will continue demanding a ] to probe the Rafale deal.<ref name="IT_congress">{{cite news |title=Rafale deal: BJP to hold 70 press conferences, says Congress conspiring against Modi |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/rafale-deal-bjp-will-hold-70-press-conferences-counter-congress-1410435-2018-12-16 |accessdate=23 December 2018 |publisher=India Today |date=16 December 2018 |language=en}}</ref> ] also supported the calls for a JPC.<ref name="NDTV_JPC_18"/> ] ] in his blogged expressed his opposition for a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) probe.<ref name="NDTV_JPC_18">{{cite news |title=Will Rafale Issue Go Unexamined? P Chidambaram Asks Arun Jaitley |url=https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/will-rafale-issues-go-unexamined-p-chidambaram-to-arun-jaitley-1964086 |accessdate=23 December 2018 |publisher=NDTV |date=18 December 2018}}</ref> | |||
| {{Use Indian English|date=September 2018}} | |||
| {{Use dmy dates|date=September 2018}} | |||
| The '''Rafale Deal Controversy''' is a ] in India related to the purchase of 36 ] ] for a price estimated to be worth Rs 58,000 crore (7.8 billion euros) by the ] of India from France's ].<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/defence/rafale-deal-why-dassault-reliance-aviation-won-the-offsets-contract-some-unanswered-questions/articleshow/65495707.cms|title=Rafale deal: The controversy and some unanswered questions|last=Pubby|first=Manu|date=2018-08-23|work=The Economic Times|access-date=2018-09-08}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/defence/all-you-need-to-know-about-the-rafale-deal-controversy/jet-set-go/slideshow/65079741.cms|title=All you need to know about the Rafale deal controversy - Jet, set, go|website=The Economic Times|access-date=2018-09-08}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/what-is-rafale-deal-controversy-all-you-need-to-know-1810706|title=What Is Rafale Deal Controversy? All You Need To Know|work=NDTV.com|access-date=2018-09-08}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.livemint.com/Politics/gAEd7D67AX5lJFHPIXKg1J/Decoding-Rafale-deal-From-allegations-to-counterallegation.html|title=Decoding Rafale deal: From allegations to counter-allegations|last=PTI|date=2018-08-29|work=Livemint.com|access-date=2018-09-08}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.theweek.in/news/india/2018/08/29/explained-rafale-deal-and-all-about-the-controversy.html|title=Explained: Rafale deal and all about the controversy|work=The Week|access-date=2018-09-08}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://tehelka.com/flying-deep-inside-the-rafale-deal-controversy/|title=Flying deep inside the Rafale deal controversy {{!}} Tehelka|website=tehelka.com|access-date=2018-09-08}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/india/rafale-talks-were-on-when-reliance-entertainment-helped-produce-film-for-francois-hollandes-partner-5333492|title=Rafale talks were on when Reliance Entertainment helped produce film for Francois Hollande’s partner|date=2018-08-31|work=The Indian Express|access-date=2018-09-08}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.thequint.com/explainers/rafale-deal-controversy-explained|title=Why the Cost of the Rafale Deal is Modi Govt’s Worst Kept Secret|work=The Quint|access-date=2018-09-08}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.telegraphindia.com/india/what-the-rafale-controversy-is-about-251108|title=What the Rafale controversy is about|work=The Telegraph|access-date=2018-09-08}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.republicworld.com/india-news/politics/massive-indian-air-force-breaks-silence-on-rafale-controversy-vice-chief-of-iaf-says-critics-dont-have-information-and-rafale-is-a-beautiful-aircraft|title=MASSIVE: Indian Air Force breaks silence on Rafale controversy; Vice Chief of IAF says critics 'don't have information' and 'Rafale is a beautiful aircraft' - Republic World|work=Republic World|access-date=2018-09-08}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.thehindu.com/specials/in-depth/All-you-need-to-know-about-the-Rafale-deal/article14243993.ece|title=All you need to know about the Rafale deal|last=K|first=Deepalakshmi|date=2016-04-16|work=The Hindu|access-date=2018-09-08|issn=0971-751X}}</ref> Origin of the deal lies in the ].<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/F-16-maker-Lockheed-mounts-an-India-campaign/articleshow/2706209.cms?referral=PM|title=F-16 maker Lockheed mounts an India campaign - Times of India|work=The Times of India|access-date=2018-09-09}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.domain-b.com/aero/20070828_mrca_rfp.htm|title=domain-b.com : MRCA RFP: India floats its biggest-ever global tender for jet fighters|website=www.domain-b.com|access-date=2018-09-09}}</ref>. | |||
| The petitioners in the case former minister ], former journalist ] and lawyer ] issued a press statement pointing the factual inaccuracies in the judgement.<ref name="Telegraph_15_12">{{cite news |title=Shocked and disappointed, say Sinha, Shourie and Bhushan |url=https://www.telegraphindia.com/india/shocked-and-disappointed-by-court-s-judgment-say-yashwant-sinha-arun-shourie-and-prashant-bhushan/cid/1678909 |accessdate=23 December 2018 |publisher=The Telegraph |date=15 December 2018 |language=en}}</ref> Their petition had sought a court-monitored investigation by CBI or SIT but the verdict proceeded on the basis that the petition was challenging the contract itself. The verdict had used as facts, the statements by the government through affidavits and the sealed covers handed only to the court and not with the petitioners.<ref name="Telegraph_15_12"/> The para 25 of the verdict stated that, "The pricing details have, however, been shared with the ] (hereinafter referred to as 'CAG'), and the report of the CAG has been examined by the Public Accounts Committee (hereafter referred to as 'PAC'). Only a redacted portion of the report was placed before the Parliament, and is in public domain". The petitioners claimed that the facts in the para 25 are not on record, and are factually incorrect. The CAG report has not been submitted to the Public Accounts Committee till now. No portion of the CAG report has been placed before Parliament or released in the public domain. The petitioners claimed that these factually incorrect statements were based on the statements made by the government to the court in sealed covers and the factual inaccuracies show how dangers associated in verdict based on unverified statements. The petitioners asked for a "full public disclosure of all the facts" along with "a comprehensive and independent investigation into the deal".<ref name="Telegraph_15_12"/> | |||
| ==Background== | |||
| {{Further|Indian MRCA competition}} | |||
| On 31 January 2012, Indian Ministry of Defence announced that ] had won the ] competition to supply Indian Air Force with 126 aircraft along with an option for 63 additional aircraft. The first 18 aircraft were to be supplied by ] fully built and the remaining 108 aircraft were to be ] by ] (HAL) with transfer of technology from Dassault. Rafale was chosen as the lowest bidder based on life-cycle cost, which is a combination of cost of acquisition, operating cost over a duration of 40 years and cost of transfer of technology.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Pandit |first1=Rajat |title=French jet Rafale bags $20bn IAF fighter order; India 'briefs' losing European countries|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/French-jet-Rafale-bags-20bn-IAF-fighter-order-India-briefs-losing-European-countries/articleshow/11706551.cms |work=The Times of India |date=1 February 2012}}</ref> The negotiations with Dassault dragged on over disagreements on warranty for aircraft produced by HAL. India wanted Dassault to ensure the quality of aircraft produced by HAL, but Dassault refused to do so.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Prusty |first1=Nigam |last2=Kotoky |first2=Anurag |title=Government's $15 billion Rafale deal faces delays: sources |url=https://in.reuters.com/article/india-rafale-deal/governments-15-billion-rafale-deal-faces-delays-sources-idINDEE93403Z20130405 |work=Reuters |date=5 April 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Datt |first1=Gautam |title=HAL's poor track record overshadows IAF plans to buy 126 Dassault Rafale jets |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/north/story/rafale-jets-hal-hindustan-aeronautics-limited-iaf-dassault-aviation-158290-2013-04-05 |work=India Today |date=5 April 2013 }}</ref> In January 2014, it was reported that the cost of the deal had escalated to $30 billion, with each aircraft costing $120 million.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Sagar |first1=Pradip R |title=dna exclusive: 100% price escalation on Rafale fighter aircraft to Rs 1.75 lakh crore likely to dent IAF's strike capability |url=https://www.dnaindia.com/india/report-dna-exclusive-100-price-escalation-on-rafale-fighter-aircraft-to-rs-175-lakh-crore-likely-to-dent-iaf-s-strike-capability-1957107 |work=Daily News and Analysis |date=26 January 2014}}</ref> In February 2014, defence minister ] said that the procedure of calculation of life-cycle cost was being re-examined and the contract could not be signed in fiscal year 2013-14 due to budgetary constraints.<ref>{{cite news |title=Fighter jet deal put off to next fiscal due to budget constraints: Antony |url=https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/economy/policy/fighter-jet-deal-put-off-to-next-fiscal-due-to-budget-constraints-antony/article20722943.ece1 |work=The Hindu Business Line |date=6 February 2014 }}</ref> | |||
| ===Plea for verdict correction=== | |||
| The disagreements over cost and warranty for aircraft produced by HAL continued, Defence minister ] said that ] could be acquired as an alternative to Rafale.<ref>{{cite news |title=Rafale fighter jets deal: Ball is in France’s court, says India |url=https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/economy/logistics/rafale-fighter-jets-deal-ball-is-in-frances-court-says-india/article20950141.ece |work=The Hindu Business Line |agency=Press Trust of India |date=4 January 2015 }}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine|last1=Menon|first1=Jay|last2=Bruneau|first2=Caroline|last3=Svitak|first3=Amy|date=16 February – 1 March 2016|title=Rafale Riposte|url=http://aviationweek.com/defense/france-india-disagree-over-key-rafale-contract-issue|magazine=Aviation Week & Space Technology|volume=177|issue=3|page=54|location=New York|issn=0005-2175}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Shukla |first1=Ajai |title=Parrikar outlines alternatives to Rafale |url=https://www.business-standard.com/article/economy-policy/parrikar-outlines-alternatives-to-rafale-115011300014_1.html |work=Business Standard |date=13 January 2015}}</ref> Air Chief Marshal ] disagreed, saying that Su-30MKI and Rafale had different capabilities and one could not replace the other.<ref>{{cite news |title=Sukhoi cannot replace Rafale: Arup Raha, IAF chief |url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/sukhoi-cannot-replace-rafale-arup-raha-iaf-chief/articleshow/46300909.cms |work=The Economic Times |agency=Press Trust of India |date=30 March 2015}}</ref> During an official visit to France in April 2015, Indian prime minister ] announced that India would acquire 36 fully built Rafales citing "critical operational necessity".<ref>{{cite news |title=India to buy 36 Rafale jets in ready condition |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/prime-minister-narendra-modis-visit-to-france/article7090006.ece |work=The Hindu |agency=Press Trust of India |date=10 April 2015 }}</ref> In July 2015, defence minister ] informed the ] that the tender for 126 aircraft had been withdrawn and negotiations for 36 aircraft had begun.<ref>{{cite news |title=Govt withdraws tender for 126 medium multi role combat aircraft: Manohar Parrikar |url=https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/economy/policy/govt-withdraws-tender-for-126-medium-multi-role-combat-aircraft-manohar-parrikar/article7481721.ece |work=The Hindu Business Line |agency=Press Trust of India |date=30 July 2015 }}</ref> In January 2016, India and France signed a memorandum of understanding for acquisition of 36 aircraft.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Peri |first1=Dinakar |title=Rafale deal: only MoU signed |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/Rafale-deal-only-MoU-signed/article14022630.ece |work=The Hindu |date=27 January 2016 }}</ref> In September 2016, India and France signed an inter-governmental agreement (IGA) for the acquisition of 36 aircraft at a cost of €7.87 billion.<ref name="hindu-iga-signed">{{cite news |title=India, France ink €7.87 billion agreement for 36 Rafales |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/India-France-ink-%E2%82%AC7.87-billion-agreement-for-36-Rafales/article14995775.ece |work=The Hindu |date=23 September 2016 }}</ref> It was reported that India would acquire 28 single-seat aircraft at a cost of €91.1 million each and 8 dual-seat aircraft at a cost of €94 million each. The deal also included enhancements specific to Indian Air Force at a cost of €1.8 billion, establishment of two aircraft maintenance and overhaul facilities at a cost of €1.8 billion, a weapons package costing €710 million and a ] agreement at a cost of €353 million.<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Bedi |first1=Rahul |title=Details emerge on cost of India's Rafale deal |journal=IHS Jane's Defence Weekly |date=28 September 2016 |volume=53 |issue=47 |publisher=Jane's Information Group}}</ref> | |||
| On 15 December, the Union Defence Ministry in a press conference suggested that the Supreme court may have misinterpreted the government’s statements on the Rafale deal and requested corrections.<ref name="TT_correction">{{cite news |title=Bloomerang in full bloom |url=https://www.telegraphindia.com/india/after-errors-in-supreme-court-s-rafale-judgment-arun-jaitley-strikes-back-with-typos/cid/1679118 |accessdate=23 December 2018 |publisher=The Telegraph |date=17 December 2018 |language=en}}</ref> The ministry during the press conference had pointed to the mixing of the tenses, "perhaps on account of misinterpretation of a couple of sentences in a note handed over to this Hon'ble Court in a sealed cover." The government filed an eight-page application for corrections in the verdict by the Supreme Court stating "observations in the judgment have also resulted in a controversy in the public domain."<ref name="Plea_TT_16_12">{{cite news |title=Centre’s plea for corrections in Rafale judgment |url=https://www.telegraphindia.com/india/centre-s-plea-for-corrections-in-rafale-judgment/cid/1679019 |accessdate=23 December 2018 |publisher=The Telegraph |date=16 December 2018 |language=en}}</ref><ref name="TheHindu22Dec">{{cite news |last1=Rajagopal |first1=Krishnadas |title=What is the Supreme Court verdict in Rafale deal case all about? |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/what-is-the-supreme-court-verdict-in-rafale-deal-case-all-about/article25808342.ece |accessdate=23 December 2018 |publisher=The Hindu |date=22 December 2018 |language=en-IN}}</ref> By proposing these correction, the government tried to rectify that the CAG report had not yet submitted its report and the PAC has not examined it. No redacted portion, has been placed either in the Parliament or in the public domain.<ref name="Plea_TT_16_12"/> The ministry claimed that the note simply mentioned the procedures followed on CAG reports and the note was not specific to the Rafale deal CAG report.<ref name="Plea_TT_16_12"/> The verdict had mentioned four steps related to the CAG report out of which 3 were incorrect. The court has not responded to the governments application as it is closed for Christmas.<ref name="Plea_TT_16_12"/><ref name="Outlook16Dec"/> | |||
| On 16 December, the Congress asked the Supreme Court, not to entertain the Governments application of rectification of judgement. Congress also urged the court to recall the Rafale judgment as being "self-contradictory"<ref name="HindustanTimes_19Dec">{{cite news |title=Supreme Court should recall ‘self-contradictory’ Rafale ruling: Congress |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/supreme-court-should-recall-self-contradictory-rafale-ruling-congress/story-yfjpQoYm0tv0IpfzA9ibII.html |accessdate=23 December 2018 |publisher=Hindustan Times |date=19 December 2018 |language=en}}</ref> and to issue notices to the government for "] and ] as it provided false information to the top court."<ref name="TheHindu_recall16">{{cite news |title=Congress urges SC to recall Rafale judgement, issue contempt of court notice to govt. |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/anand-sharma-urges-sc-to-recall-rafale-judgement-issue-contempt-of-court-notice-to-govt/article25756892.ece |accessdate=23 December 2018 |publisher=The Hindu |date=16 December 2018 |language=en-IN}}</ref><ref name="Outlook16Dec">{{cite news |title=Recall Rafale Judgement, Try Modi Govt For Perjury: Congress Urges SC |url=https://www.outlookindia.com/website/story/recall-rafale-judgement-try-modi-govt-for-perjury-congress-urges-sc/321829 |accessdate=23 December 2018 |publisher=Outlook India |date=16 December 2018}}</ref> The Chairman of the PAC ] and the Congress stated that "no portion of the CAG report has been placed before Parliament or was in the public domain".<ref name="Outlook16Dec"/> | |||
| The agreement included a 50% "offset clause", which requires the companies involved in the agreement to invest 50% of the contract value back into India. Of this 50%, 74% or €2.9 billion would have to come from purchase of goods and services from India.<ref name="hindu-iga-signed"/> In October 2016, ] and Dassault announced the creation of a 51:49 joint venture named Dassault Reliance Aerospace Pvt. Ltd. The joint venture planned to manufacture components for ] series of jets to fulfil Dassault's offset obligation.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Shukla |first1=Tarun |title=Anil Ambani’s Reliance Group forms JV with Dassault for Rafale jets offsets |url=https://www.livemint.com/Companies/4Plo2PtdKLrxHPyRaqV1rM/Reliance-Group-signs-JV-with-Dassault-for-Rafale-jets.html |work=] |date=3 October 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Dassault to invest €100 million in joint venture with Reliance Group |url=https://www.livemint.com/Industry/jMKgGesur4LEVG0FS8kGcI/Reliance-Dassault-form-joint-venture-for-defence-manufactur.html |work=] |date=27 October 2017}}</ref> | |||
| The Government's correction application may have an open court hearing in January,<ref name="TheHindu22Dec"/> along with a review petition from the petitioners.<ref name="TheHindu22Dec"/> | |||
| ==Allegations== | |||
| The day after the signing of IGA between France and India, ] spokesperson ] asked for details of the agreement to be made public and questioned if there was an escalation of per-aircraft cost from {{INR|715}} ] to {{INR|1600}} crore.<ref>{{cite news |title=Cong critical of Rafale deal, wants contract to be made public |url=https://www.deccanherald.com/content/572223/cong-critical-rafale-deal-wants.html |work=Deccan Herald |agency=Press Trust of India |date=24 September 2016 }}</ref> In November 2017, Congress alleged that procurement procedures were bypassed in acquisition of Rafale and questioned the presence of ] in France during Modi's announcement to acquire 36 fully built aircraft. Congress leader ] also alleged that HAL was bypassed in Rafale contract and questioned if there was an escalation of per-aircraft cost from {{INR|526.1}} crore to {{INR|1570}} crore. Anil Ambani's Reliance Defence Limited denied the allegations and released a statement that he was present as a member of Indo-French CEO forum.<ref>{{cite news |title=Rafale deal: Congress alleges ‘huge scam’; Reliance denies it |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/rafale-deal-congress-alleges-huge-scam-reliance-denies-it/article20444680.ece |work=The Hindu |date=14 November 2017 }}</ref> Defence minister ] denied the allegations of procedural wrongdoing and said that approval from Cabinet Committee on Security had been obtained before signing of IGA. She said that the prices could not be compared as the tender for 126 aircraft and the agreement for 36 aircraft had different requirements. She also said that transfer of technology to HAL would not be economically feasible in a smaller contract for 36 aircraft.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Singh |first1=Sushant |title=Rafale deal: Govt says Congress charge shameful |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/india/rafale-deal-govt-says-congress-charge-shameful-4942727/ |work=The Indian Express |date=18 November 2017}}</ref> Air Chief Marshal ] also denied the allegations and said that the agreement for 36 aircraft was signed with better terms than the one that was being negotiated under MMRCA tender.<ref>{{cite news |title=Rafale deal neither overpriced nor controversial: Air Force Chief Dhanoa |url=https://www.deccanchronicle.com/nation/current-affairs/161117/rafale-deal-neither-overpriced-nor-controversial-air-force-chief-dhanoa.html |work=Deccan Chronicle |agency=Asian News International |date=16 November 2017 }}</ref> | |||
| Former chief of air staff Arup Raha said in an interview that Defence Procurement Procedure allows for government-to-government procurement and there was no procedural bypass in signing of the IGA. He added that the agreement for 36 aircraft was cheaper than the previous proposal and had a better maintenance and weapons package. He said that most of the confusion over cost was due to comparison of prices from different base years and comparison of different deliverables. Elaborating on the differences between the IGA and the proposed acquisition under MMRCA tender, he said that the new agreement had provisions for training, a better performance-based logistics package and two aircraft maintenance and overhaul facilities that were not present in the original proposal.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Diwakar |title=‘Contract for 36 Rafales include weapons suite superior to the earlier case … higher capability more apt for IAF’ |url=https://blogs.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/the-interviews-blog/contract-for-36-rafales-include-weapons-suite-superior-to-the-earlier-case-higher-capability-more-apt-for-iaf/ |work=The Times of India Blogs |date=13 December 2017}}</ref> | |||
| In a controversy that has been ongoing for sometime, allegations in the controversy have resulted in a public incident in the ] during a no-confidence motion debate on 21 July 2018. ], president of the main opposition party, Indian National Congress, made what has been described as bold and direct accusations toward the ], ].<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.financialexpress.com/india-news/no-confidence-motion-modi-government-lying-on-rafale-says-rahul-gandhi-pm-rejects-charges/1252650/|title=No-Confidence Motion: Modi government lying on Rafale, says Rahul Gandhi; PM rejects charges|date=2018-07-21|work=The Financial Express|access-date=2018-09-08}}</ref> The prime minister dismissed the allegations as the program's interactions are between the governments of India and France, without any middlemen. Both governments have then officially refuted the charges.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.firstpost.com/politics/no-confidence-motion-dripping-sarcasm-narendra-modi-gives-rahul-gandhi-a-lesson-in-oratory-as-nda-wins-trust-vote-4786601.html|title=No-confidence motion: Dripping sarcasm, Narendra Modi gives Rahul Gandhi oratory lesson as NDA sails through - Firstpost|website=www.firstpost.com|access-date=2018-09-08}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/modi-no-confidence-motion-speech-highlights-point-lok-sabha-1291855-2018-07-21|title='Childish behaviour' and other things Modi said in Lok Sabha: 10 points|website=India Today|access-date=2018-09-08}}</ref> | |||
| Indian National Congress directly blames the Indian Government led by Narendra Modi for overlooking the capabilities of government-owned ] (HAL) in favour of Reliance Defence for the offset deal with Dassault.<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://newscentral24x7.com/hal-rafale-deal-nirmala-sitharaman-former-chief-ts-raju/|title=HAL has the capability to build Rafael jets in India, says former HAL chief TS Raju|website=www.newscentral24x7.com |access-date=2018-09-20}}</ref> Indian defence minister Nirmala Sitharaman rejected these charges by saying that " Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) was dropped from the jet deal by the previous UPA regime after French manufacturer Dassault Aviation and the state-owned entity failed to agree on production terms.<ref>{{cite news |last1=toi |title=toi |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/nirmala-sitharaman-hits-back-says-upa-ousted-hal-from-rafale-deal/articleshow/65864076.cms |accessdate=22 September 2018}}</ref> | |||
| ==French Government response== | |||
| Former French President ] has been quoted by an article on a French ], an online investigative and opinion journal as stating that the Indian government had asked the French government to nominate Anil Ambani's Reliance Defence Ltd. as its India partner in the Rafale deal.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/indian-government-wanted-anil-ambani-as-rafale-partner-francois-hollande-1920227|title=India Government Chose Anil Ambani For Rafale, Says Francois Hollande: 10 Facts|publisher=}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/ex-french-president-hollande-makes-stunning-claim-on-rafale-deal-mod-says-govt-had-no-role-in-commercial-decision/articleshow/65903020.cms|title=Ex-French President Hollande reportedly makes new claim on Rafale deal, MoD says 'govt had no role in commercial decision' - Times of India|publisher=}}</ref>but later Hollande clarified that "it on the sidelines of a meeting in Canada on Friday that France “did not choose Reliance in any way.” When asked whether India had put pressure on Reliance and Dassault to work together, Mr. Hollande said he was unaware and “only Dassault can comment on this.”as reported by AFP<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/rafale-deal-no-room-for-doubt-after-hollande-clarification-says-rajnath/article25028171.ece|title=Rafale deal: No room for doubt after Hollande ‘clarification,’ says Rajnath|date=2018-09-24|work=The Hindu|access-date=2018-11-09|others=PTI|language=en-IN|issn=0971-751X}}</ref> | |||
| Contradicting Hollande's claim, French government issued a statement mentioning that French companies have the full freedom to select Indian firms for the Rafale contract.<ref>{{cite news |last1=ibn |title=ibn |url=https://www.news18.com/news/india/after-hollandes-bombshell-french-govt-says-not-involved-in-choice-of-indian-partners-for-rafale-deal-1885361.html?ref=hp_top_pos_2 |accessdate=22 September 2018}}</ref> Dassault also clarified that Anil Ambani was Dassault Aviation’s choice<ref>{{cite news |last1=indiatimes |title=rafael |url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/defence/rafale-controversy-france-dassault-aviation-denies-involvement-in-choosing-indian-partners/articleshow/65908715.cms |accessdate=22 September 2018}}</ref> | |||
| ==Indian Government response == | |||
| Finance minister ] later dissmised the charges as factually false.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/arun-jaitley-says-congress-allegations-on-rafale-deal-pricing-factually-false-1907942|title=Arun Jaitley's Counter On Rafale Row Talks Of Rahul Gandhi "Misadventure"|work=NDTV.com|access-date=2018-09-08}}</ref> | |||
| Indian government's Defence Ministry reiterated its earlier stand while responding to later claims of former French President Francois Hollande about involvement of a particular private firm's Rafale offset contract by saying "Neither government of India nor French government had any say in the commercial decision".<ref>{{cite news |last1=NDTV |title=RAFELE |url=https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/no-say-in-rafale-decision-centre-on-frances-claim-of-favouring-reliance-1920256 |accessdate=21 September 2018}}</ref> | |||
| ==Allegations against Anil Ambani and Reliance Defence Ltd== | |||
| Indian National Congress accused Indian business magnate ]'s ] of getting the part of the contract by unfair means.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/india/reliance-defence-set-up-days-before-rafale-deal-announced-congress/|title=Reliance Defence set up days before Rafale deal announced: Congress|date=2018-07-28|work=The Indian Express|access-date=2018-09-08}}</ref> The offsets contracts in the deal is alleged as the biggest example of ] | |||
| <ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.outlookindia.com/newsscroll/rafale-deal-biggest-example-of-crony-capitalism-by-modi-govt-cong-eds-adding-rahuls-comments/1358438|title=Rafale deal biggest example of crony capitalism|date=2018-07-27|work=The Outlook India|access-date=2018-07-27}}</ref> | |||
| In response, Anil Ambani threatened to sue Congress Party for defamation.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/rafale-deal-fair-says-france-reliance-defence-warns-congress-1775923|title=Rafale Deal Fair, Says France; Reliance Says May Sue Congress: 10 Points|work=NDTV.com|access-date=2018-07-08}}</ref> | |||
| Reliance also sued NDTV regarding its reporting on the matter which was noted by New York based ]<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://cpj.org/2018/10/reliance-group-sues-indias-ndtv-for-us1-billion-ov.php|title=Reliance Group sues India's NDTV for US$1 billion over its reporting on Rafale jet deal|website=cpj.org|language=en|access-date=2018-10-20}}</ref>. | |||
| ==Judiciary's stand == | |||
| In September 2018, The ] agreed to hear the PIL petitions related to the controversy.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.news18.com/news/india/supreme-court-agrees-to-hear-petition-against-rafale-deal-next-week-1868117.html|title=Supreme Court Agrees to Hear Petition Against Rafale Deal Next Week|work=News18|access-date=2018-09-08}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/supreme-court-to-hear-plea-to-stay-rafale-deal-next-week/article24869890.ece|title=Supreme Court to hear plea to stay Rafale deal next week|date=2018-09-05|work=The Hindu|access-date=2018-09-08|others=PTI|issn=0971-751X}}</ref> while Congress said they would wait for getting the necessary documents before moving court on the matter.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/rafale-deal-will-move-court-when-we-get-documents-says-sibal/articleshow/65646909.cms|title=Rafale deal: Will move court when we get documents, says Sibal - Times of India|work=The Times of India|access-date=2018-09-09}}</ref> | |||
| On October 10 The Supreme Court asked the Central government to provide details of the decision making process in the Rafale deal with France in a sealed cover by October 29.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/give-us-details-about-rafale-deal-supreme-court-tells-modi-govt/articleshow/66144759.cms|title=Tell us how you decided on Rafale: Supreme Court to Modi government|date=11 October 2018|publisher=|via=The Economic Times}}</ref> | |||
| On 14 December 2018, the court dismissed all the petitions seeking a probe into the alleged irregularities in the deal, and gave a clean chit to the Union government on all the three aspects, viz., the decision making, pricing and selection of Indian offset partner.<ref name="TOI on Supreme Court verdict ">{{Cite news |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/sc-verdict-on-rafale-defence-deal-what-the-court-said/articleshow/67088303.cms |title=Supreme Court verdict on Rafale defence deal: What the court said |access-date=16 December 2018 |work=The Times of India |publication-date=14 December 2018}}</ref><ref name="SC gives govt clean chit on Rafale deal">{{Cite news |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/sc-gives-govt-clean-chit-on-rafale-deal-dismisses-pils/articleshow/67100301.cms |title=SC gives govt clean chit on Rafale deal, dismisses PILs |last=Mahapatra |first=Dhananjay |access-date=16 December 2018 |work=The Times of India |publication-date=15 December 2018}}</ref><ref name="Congress on back foot after SC clean chit on Rafale deal ">{{Cite news |url=https://www.livemint.com/Politics/cP74euOholpYUppFgmUmkI/Rafale-deal-Supreme-Court-says-no-need-for-courtmonitored.html |title=Congress on back foot after SC clean chit on Rafale deal |last=Mittal |first=Priyanka |access-date=16 December 2018 |work=Livemint |last2=Roche |first2=Elizabeth |others=Anuja |publication-date=15 December 2018}}</ref><ref name="thehindubusinessline">{{Cite news |url=https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/news/supreme-court-gives-clean-chit-to-modi-govt-in-rafale-deal/article25740731.ece |title=Supreme Court gives clean chit to Modi govt in Rafale deal |access-date=16 December 2018 |work=The Hindu BusinessLine |agency=Press Trust of India |publication-date=14 December 2018}}</ref> In its ruling, the court said it has "studied the material carefully" and is satisfied with the decision making process, and that it found no evidence of wrongdoing.<ref name="SC gives govt clean chit on Rafale deal" /><ref name="Congress on back foot after SC clean chit on Rafale deal " /> It expressed its satisfaction on the pricing aspect, after investigating the details, which were provided to it by the government in a sealed envelope.<ref name="SC gives govt clean chit on Rafale deal" /><ref name="CNN-News18 on SC verdict">{{Cite news |url=https://www.news18.com/news/politics/sc-gives-clean-chit-to-modi-govt-in-rafale-deal-says-no-probe-into-pricing-or-decision-making-1973383.html |title=SC Gives Clean Chit to Modi Govt in Rafale Deal, Says No Evidence of 'Commercial Favouritism' |last=Anand |first=Utkarsh |access-date=16 December 2018 |work=] |publication-date=14 December 2018}}</ref> "It is certainly not the job of this court to carry out a comparison of the pricing details in matters like the present. We say no more as the material has to be kept in a confidential domain," the court said.<ref name="SC gives govt clean chit on Rafale deal" /><ref name="CNN-News18 on SC verdict" /> On the aspect of offset partner, the court rejected allegations of commercial favoritism, citing the lack of any substantive material.<ref name="SC gives govt clean chit on Rafale deal" /><ref name="Big win for Modi government! ">{{Cite news |url=https://www.financialexpress.com/defence/big-win-for-modi-government-sc-gives-clean-chit-to-rs-58000-cr-rafale-deal/1414459/ |title=Big win for Modi government! SC gives clean chit to Rs 58,000-cr Rafale deal |access-date=16 December 2018 |work=The Financial Express |publication-date=15 December 2018}}</ref> "We do not find any substantial material on record to show that this is a case of commercial favouritism to any party by the Indian government, as the option to choose the IOP (Indian offset partners) does not rest with (it)," the court said.<ref name="Big win for Modi government! " /> The court, having heard the matter in detail, said "we find no reason for any intervention by this court on the sensitive issue of purchase of 36 defence aircrafts [sic] by the Indian government," adding that "perception of individuals cannot be the basis of a fishing and roving enquiry by this court, especially in such matters."<ref name="No Proof Of Wrongdoing, Says Top Court On Rafale">{{Cite news |url=https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/no-probe-into-rafale-deal-supreme-court-dismisses-petition-says-no-reason-to-intervene-1962483 |title=No Proof Of Wrongdoing, Says Top Court On Rafale, Huge Win For Government |last=Vaidyanathan |first=A |access-date=16 December 2018 |work=NDTV |editor-last=Ghosh |editor-first=Deepshikha |publication-date=14 December 2018}}</ref> | |||
| Chief Justice of India Rajan Gogoi while writing judgment for three members bench ruled that, "Adequate military strength and capability to discourage and withstand external aggression and to protect the sovereignty and integrity of India, undoubtedly, is a matter of utmost concern for the nation. The empowerment of defence forces with adequate technology and material support is, therefore, a matter of vital importance.”<ref>{{cite news |last1=Dinesh |first1=Singh Rawat |title=Read Manohar Lal Sharma Vs Narendra Damodardas Modi Judgment |url=http://abclive.in/manohar-lal-sharma-vs-narendra-damodardas-modi-judgment/ |accessdate=15 December 2018 |agency=ABC Live India |issue=Online}}</ref> | |||
| ==Reaction from both sides of the political spectrum, the petitioners and Dassault Aviation=== | |||
| Notwithstanding the Supreme Court's verdict, the main opposition party, Congress, repeated its allegations of corruption against the government and continued to demand a ] (JPC) to probe the deal, saying that the supreme court was "not the forum to decide the issue of such a sensitive defence contract."<ref>{{cite news |title=Rafale verdict: Congress demands JPC probe |url=https://www.livemint.com/Politics/GGmjXxH2rOOSghKRNmctdO/Rafale-verdict-Congress-demands-JPC-probe.html |accessdate=24 December 2018 |publisher=Livemint |date=14 December 2018}}</ref> The Indian government promptly rejected the demand.<ref>{{cite news |title=Congress demands JPC probe into Rafale deal, govt in no mood to oblige |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/congress-demands-jpc-probe-into-rafale-deal-govt-in-no-mood-to-oblige/articleshow/67100399.cms |accessdate=24 December 2018 |publisher=Times of India |date=15 December 2018}}</ref> The congress even went so far as to doubt the court's 'justification' of selection of Anil Ambani's Reliance Defence as offsets partner in the deal.<ref name="CAG report" >{{cite news |title=Govt misled SC on Rafale deal, where is CAG report, asks Rahul Gandhi |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/rahul-gandhi-questions-sc-order-asks-where-is-cag-report-on-rafale-pricing/articleshow/67098142.cms |accessdate=24 December 2018 |publisher=Times of India |date=14 December 2018}}</ref> ], Congress president speaking at a press conference, while reiterating the demand for a JPC probe, alleged that the government misled the court on the issue, stating that the ] (CAG) report was not shared with the ] (PAC) as yet, and in fact no such report is in the public domain, contrary to the court's order.<ref name="CAG report" /> ], a senior Congress leader and the chairman of the PAC, who was present along with Gandhi at the press conference, citing personal communication with the deputy CAG, said that neither the PAC, nor the CAG, was in possession of the said report.<ref name="CAG report" /> | |||
| The ruling party BJP, on the other hand, welcomed the verdict, while saying that the falsehood on the issue was exposed.<ref>{{cite news |title=BJP welcomes SC ruling on rafale, says falsehood "exposed" |url=http://www.uniindia.com/bjp-welcomes-sc-ruling-on-rafale-says-falsehood-quot-exposed-quot/india/news/1437314.html |accessdate=24 December 2018 |publisher=United News of India |date=14 December 2018}}</ref> BJP's Tamil Nadu unit president Tamilisai Soundararajan, while lashing out at the Congress, demanded an apology from the Congress leaders "to the nation" in view of the SC findings.<ref>{{cite news |title=BJP demands apology from Congress on Rafale |url=https://www.deccanchronicle.com/nation/current-affairs/161218/bjp-demands-apology-from-congress-on-rafale.html |accessdate=24 December 2018 |publisher=Deccan Chronicle |date=16 December 2018}}</ref> Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh, too, said: "The Congress President tried to mislead public for political benefit and maligned India’s image globally. He should apologize to the House and to the people of the country. He thought ‘Hum to doobe hain sanam tum ko bhi le doobenge’ (I have drowned so I will take you and drown),"<ref>{{cite news |title=After Rafale verdict, BJP says Rahul Gandhi and Congress should apologise to PM Modi |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/india/bjp-on-rafale-deal-sc-verdict-rahul-gandhi-congress-should-apologise-to-pm-modi-rajnath-singh-5493385/ |accessdate=24 December 2018 |publisher=The Indian Express |date=14 December 2018}}</ref> | |||
| Dassault Aviation, on the same day of the verdict, issued a statement to the press welcoming the Indian Supreme Court's verdict. "Dassault Aviation welcomes the decision of the Supreme Court of India rendered today dismissing all petitions filed on the Rafale Contract signed on 23rd September 2016 in the frame of an Inter-Governmental Agreement between India and France," the statement read. It also reiterated its commitment to ensure "successful production in India through Dassault Reliance Joint Venture in Nagpur as well as through a full-fledged supply chain network".<ref>{{cite news |title=Dassault Aviation welcomes Supreme Court verdict on Rafale deal, reiterates commitment to 'Make in India' |url=https://www.timesnownews.com/india/article/dassault-aviation-welcomes-supreme-court-verdict-on-rafale-deal-reiterates-commitment-to-make-in-india/331300 |accessdate=24 December 2018 |publisher=Times Now |date=14 December 2018}}</ref> | |||
| The petitioners in the case former minister ], former journalist ] and lawyer ], issued a press statement expressing 'shock' and 'disappointment' over the court's decision to dismiss their petitions and said that the verdict "neither addressed the documented facts nor dealt with their main prayer seeking an investigation into the deal to purchase the French fighter jets,"<ref name="petitioners' reaction" >{{cite news |title=Sinha, Shourie say shocking SC verdict no clean chit for Modi |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/sinha-shourie-bhushan-sc-rafale-verdict-clean-chit-modi-1409817-2018-12-14 |accessdate=24 December 2018 |publisher=India Today |date=14 December 2018}}</ref> adding that "some of the facts mentioned in the court judgment are not only not on record but are patently incorrect".<ref name="petitioners' reaction" /> While claiming that "no portion of the CAG report has been placed before Parliament or placed in the public domain," the trio accused the court of taking a "conservative view of judicial review in cases of defence deal corruption involving high functionaries."<ref name="petitioners' reaction" /><ref name="Telegraph_15_12">{{cite news |title=Shocked and disappointed, say Sinha, Shourie and Bhushan |url=https://www.telegraphindia.com/india/shocked-and-disappointed-by-court-s-judgment-say-yashwant-sinha-arun-shourie-and-prashant-bhushan/cid/1678909 |accessdate=23 December 2018 |publisher=The Telegraph |date=15 December 2018 |language=en}}</ref> The trio claimed that the verdict had used as facts, the statements by the government through affidavits and the sealed covers handed only to the court and not with the petitioners, and that these factually incorrect statements were based on the statements made by the government to the court in sealed covers and the factual inaccuracies show how dangers associated in verdict based on unverified statements. They demanded a "full public disclosure of all the facts" along with "a comprehensive and independent investigation into the deal".<ref name="Telegraph_15_12"/> | |||
| On 16 December 2018, the Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched a "sharp attack" on Congress for its refusal to accept the Supreme Court's decision to reject the petitioners' demands of probes, and accusing it of lying, saying: "The country's defence ministry is also a liar. The country's defence minister is also false. Officers of Indian Air Force are also liars. The French government is also false. Now they have started to call the highest court of the country a liar too". While quoting ], Modi said, "lies are what they eat and lies are what they give to other people, as they accept these lies themselves," adding that while the government is committed to increase the strength of the Indian military, the Congress is standing with the forces that do not want to see it to be strong.<ref>{{cite news |title=PM Modi attacks Congress over Rafale deal allegations |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/pm-modi-attacks-congress-over-rafale-scam-allegations/articleshow/67113869.cms |accessdate=24 December 2018 |publisher=Times of India |date=16 December 2018}}</ref> The BJP, on the same day, announced that it will held as many as 70 press conferences across different areas of India to "expose" the Congress for what it said was plotting conspiracy against the Modi government on the issue of Rafale deal.<ref>{{cite news |title=Rafale deal: BJP to hold 70 press conferences, says Congress conspiring against Modi |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/rafale-deal-bjp-will-hold-70-press-conferences-counter-congress-1410435-2018-12-16 |accessdate=24 December 2018 |publisher=India Today |date=16 December 2018}}</ref> | |||
| ] Chief ], who had previously demanded a JPC probe, took a stance contrary to that of the Congress following the court's verdict, saying that the decision on the issue has been given by the Supreme court, which "is supreme in the eyes of people", and hence doubts, if any, should be raised in that court. Upon being asked about the change in his party's stance, Yadav said that his party had demanded a JPC probe before the Supreme court's verdict. "I had said JPC should be set up as there can be many things in it. But now the verdict has come and the Supreme Court has deliberated on all angles," he said.<ref>{{cite news |title=Any doubts on Rafale deal should be raised in SC, says Akhilesh Yadav |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/any-doubts-on-rafale-deal-should-be-raised-in-sc-says-akhilesh-yadav/articleshow/67108779.cms |accessdate=24 December 2018 |publisher=Times of India |date=15 December 2018}}</ref> ] supported the calls for a JPC.<ref name="NDTV_JPC_18"/> ] ] in his blogged expressed his opposition for a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) probe.<ref name="NDTV_JPC_18">{{cite news |title=Will Rafale Issue Go Unexamined? P Chidambaram Asks Arun Jaitley |url=https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/will-rafale-issues-go-unexamined-p-chidambaram-to-arun-jaitley-1964086 |accessdate=23 December 2018 |publisher=NDTV |date=18 December 2018}}</ref> | |||
| ==See also== | |||
| *] | |||
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| ==References== | |||
| {{Reflist|30em}} | |||
| ] | |||
| ] | |||
| ] | |||
Revision as of 12:25, 25 December 2018
Response
The ruling party BJP welcomed the judgement and accused the Congress party of plotting conspiracy. PM Modi attacked Congress and accused it of lying. On the same day of the verdict, Rahul Gandhi, Congress president speaking at a press conference stated that CAG report on Rafale was never shared with PAC, Gandhi repeated his allegations of corruption against the Modi government and stated that his party will continue demanding a Joint parliamentary committee to probe the Rafale deal. Communist Party of India (Marxist) also supported the calls for a JPC. Finance Minister Arun Jaitley in his blogged expressed his opposition for a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) probe.
The petitioners in the case former minister Yashwant Sinha, former journalist Arun Shourie and lawyer Prashant Bhushan issued a press statement pointing the factual inaccuracies in the judgement. Their petition had sought a court-monitored investigation by CBI or SIT but the verdict proceeded on the basis that the petition was challenging the contract itself. The verdict had used as facts, the statements by the government through affidavits and the sealed covers handed only to the court and not with the petitioners. The para 25 of the verdict stated that, "The pricing details have, however, been shared with the Comptroller and Auditor General (hereinafter referred to as 'CAG'), and the report of the CAG has been examined by the Public Accounts Committee (hereafter referred to as 'PAC'). Only a redacted portion of the report was placed before the Parliament, and is in public domain". The petitioners claimed that the facts in the para 25 are not on record, and are factually incorrect. The CAG report has not been submitted to the Public Accounts Committee till now. No portion of the CAG report has been placed before Parliament or released in the public domain. The petitioners claimed that these factually incorrect statements were based on the statements made by the government to the court in sealed covers and the factual inaccuracies show how dangers associated in verdict based on unverified statements. The petitioners asked for a "full public disclosure of all the facts" along with "a comprehensive and independent investigation into the deal".
Plea for verdict correction
On 15 December, the Union Defence Ministry in a press conference suggested that the Supreme court may have misinterpreted the government’s statements on the Rafale deal and requested corrections. The ministry during the press conference had pointed to the mixing of the tenses, "perhaps on account of misinterpretation of a couple of sentences in a note handed over to this Hon'ble Court in a sealed cover." The government filed an eight-page application for corrections in the verdict by the Supreme Court stating "observations in the judgment have also resulted in a controversy in the public domain." By proposing these correction, the government tried to rectify that the CAG report had not yet submitted its report and the PAC has not examined it. No redacted portion, has been placed either in the Parliament or in the public domain. The ministry claimed that the note simply mentioned the procedures followed on CAG reports and the note was not specific to the Rafale deal CAG report. The verdict had mentioned four steps related to the CAG report out of which 3 were incorrect. The court has not responded to the governments application as it is closed for Christmas.
On 16 December, the Congress asked the Supreme Court, not to entertain the Governments application of rectification of judgement. Congress also urged the court to recall the Rafale judgment as being "self-contradictory" and to issue notices to the government for "perjury and contempt of court as it provided false information to the top court." The Chairman of the PAC Mallikarjun Kharge and the Congress stated that "no portion of the CAG report has been placed before Parliament or was in the public domain".
The Government's correction application may have an open court hearing in January, along with a review petition from the petitioners.
- "Rafale deal: BJP to hold 70 press conferences, says Congress conspiring against Modi". India Today. 16 December 2018. Retrieved 2018-12-23.
- "PM Modi attacks Congress over Rafale deal allegations - Times of India". The Times of India. 16 December 2018. Retrieved 23 December 2018.
- Rajagopal, Krishnadas (15 December 2018). "Rafale verdict: 'Supreme Court misinterpreted statement made by government in sealed cover on pricing details'". The Hindu. Retrieved 23 December 2018.
- "Rafale deal: BJP to hold 70 press conferences, says Congress conspiring against Modi". India Today. 16 December 2018. Retrieved 23 December 2018.
- ^ "Will Rafale Issue Go Unexamined? P Chidambaram Asks Arun Jaitley". NDTV. 18 December 2018. Retrieved 23 December 2018.
- ^ "Shocked and disappointed, say Sinha, Shourie and Bhushan". The Telegraph. 15 December 2018. Retrieved 23 December 2018.
- "Bloomerang in full bloom". The Telegraph. 17 December 2018. Retrieved 23 December 2018.
- ^ "Centre's plea for corrections in Rafale judgment". The Telegraph. 16 December 2018. Retrieved 23 December 2018.
- ^ Rajagopal, Krishnadas (22 December 2018). "What is the Supreme Court verdict in Rafale deal case all about?". The Hindu. Retrieved 23 December 2018.
- ^ "Recall Rafale Judgement, Try Modi Govt For Perjury: Congress Urges SC". Outlook India. 16 December 2018. Retrieved 23 December 2018.
- "Supreme Court should recall 'self-contradictory' Rafale ruling: Congress". Hindustan Times. 19 December 2018. Retrieved 23 December 2018.
- "Congress urges SC to recall Rafale judgement, issue contempt of court notice to govt". The Hindu. 16 December 2018. Retrieved 23 December 2018.