New Delhi: The Law Ministry has told the
Department of Space to allow four ISRO scientists "post
decisional opportunity" to place their stand on its move
debarring them from occupying any government position in
future in the aftermath of the Antrix-Devas S Band deal.
In an opinion to the Department of Space, the Law
Ministry has also said that no further probe into the deal is
required and that there was no need for a charge sheet at this
stage.
It said once the scientists are given a chance to place
their stand, their lament that they were not treated fairly
will be addressed.
The Department of Space had made a reference to the Law
Ministry seeking its opinion on the controversial issue.
Referring to Space Department`s order which barred former
ISRO chief G Madhavan Nair, A Bhaskarnarayana, K R
Sridharamurthi and K N Shankara from any re-employment, or any
other important government role, the Ministry said the exact
nature of charges should have been communicated to the
scientists.
But at the same time, it said since the reports of the
two committees which went into the deal are now in public
domain, the four were now aware of the charges against them.
The Ministry`s opinion, based on inputs provided by
Attorney General G E Vahanvati, said though the action against
the scientists was not "punitive" in nature, the government
should follow the principle of natural justice which states
that justice is not only done but is also seen to be done.
PTI
