New Delhi:
One of India's best-known scientists, G Madhavan Nair, takes much of the rap in a report on the deal he sanctioned with a company named Devas during his term as the head of the Indian Space Research Organization or ISRO. The government's auditor finds Mr Nair guilty of "conflict of interest" and says that he failed to consult with ministries who were key stake-holders in the Devas deal.
Here are 10 big facts on the story:
1) The report by the government's auditor on the Antrix-Devas deal was formally submitted in Parliament today. Antrix is the commercial arm of ISRO. In 2005, it signed a contract to allow Devas Multimedia access to precious S-Band spectrum. For this, Antrix would built two satellites with transponders leased to Devas. The deal was worth 1000 crores - greatly tilted in favour of Devas, according to experts. The deal was cancelled by the cabinet in February 2011, after media reports.
2) The report by the Comptroller and Auditor General finds "Selected individuals, some serving and some retired public servants, were able to successfully propel the agenda of a private entity by arrogating unto themselves, powers which they were not legitimately authorised to exercise."
3) The report highlights an alleged conflict of interest for Mr Nair who has served as Chairman of ISRO, Secretary of the Department of Space, and head of Antrix."It is evident that the government would have to ensure that the same person does not hold all the crucial posts and different functionaries are appointed to ensure checks and balances," the report said.
4) The CAG faults Mr Nair for failing to convene meetings at which representatives from different ministries could have voiced objections to the Devas deal.
5) The CAG report also says that the Department of Space "concealed facts" from the union cabinet.
6) A committee set up by the government to examine the deal was headed by former Central Vigilance Commissioner Pratyush Sinha. It has blamed Mr Nair and three of his colleagues at ISRO. In January, the group was banned from holding any government posts because of their alleged role in the Devas deal.
7) Mr Nair has said that he was not allowed to present his version of the deal to the committee's members.
8) Another committee with two experts BK Chaturvedi and Roddam Narasimha said the deal had not caused losses but reflected procedural lapses.
9) Mr Nair has blamed ISRO Chairman K Radhakrishnan for misleading the government.
10) Earlier this year, he created headlines when he stated, "Even the person who has done the terror attack in Mumbai....he is enjoying the freedom of going to 3-4 levels of appeal. Are we worse than terrorists?"