SC adjourns hearing on Rafale to March 14

New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Wednesday adjourned the hearing in the Rafale fighter jets deal case till March 14, after the government said that certain documents pertaining to the deal were stolen from the Defence Ministry.
The apex court was hearing on petitions seeking review of its December 14, 2018 verdict that had dismissed pleas challenging the deal between India and France for procurement of 36 Rafale fighter jets.
A three-judge bench headed by Chief Justice of India Ranjan Gogoi and comprising Justice Sanjay Kishan Kaul and Justice KM Joseph heard the matter.
During the hearing, Chief Justice Gogoi said, “Primary question is that should the court not look into the evidence or the document if there is relevance or corruption?”
Attorney General KK Venugopal said, “It should not be looked into as it deals with Defence and secrets.”
He said that the source of the document should be disclosed to the court by those who published it.
Venugopal said that if a CBI investigation is directed now, huge damage will be done to the country.
Certain documents pertaining to the Rafale fighter jets deal were stolen from the Defence Ministry and a probe has been initiated into the matter, Venugopal told the top court earlier on Wednesday.
Venugopal in his submission said note files were stolen and one of the national dailies had published it.
“We are dealing with defence purchases which involve the security of the state. It is a very sensitive case,” he said.
The apex court last month allowed for an open court hearing of the Rafale review petitions. (ANI)