Antrix-Devas deal: ISRO declines to share letters by Nair, others

 ISRO has refused to disclose the contents of letters written by its former chief G Madhavan Nair and others in connection with findings by a committee that went into controversial Antrix-Devas deal, saying they were "personal" that may impede process of investigation or apprehension of offenders.

Based on the recommendations of the High Level Team (HLT) report, four former space scientists have been excluded from re-employment, committee roles or any other important role under the Government and have been divested of any current assignment or consultancy with the government.

"The letters written by these officials and action taken on these letters are exempted from disclosure as per provisions under Section 8 1 (h) and (j) of RTI Act, as the matter is currently under investigation and the contents of letter is personal in nature," the space agency said in reply to an RTI query.

The Section 8 1 (h) bars disclosure of "information which would impede the process of investigation or apprehension or prosecution of offenders".

Whereas, Section 8 1 (j) prohibits personal information the disclosure of which has no relationship to any public activity or interest, or which would cause unwarranted invasion of the privacy of an individual.

The space agency was asked to provide details of action taken (or being taken) against the officials named in reports of HLT or High Powered Review Committee (HPRC) and copies of all letters written by such individuals.

The HLT has held G Madhavan Nair, A Bhaskaranarayana, K R Sridhara Murthi and Dr K N Shankara, responsible for "various acts of commission". All of them have retired from regular government services.

"Action may be taken against them under the relevant provisions of pension rules or any other provisions of law," the HLT had said in its report.

Responding to the RTI query, ISRO said many systematic reforms have already been taken in Antrix, Department of Space and in the conduct of business in Space Commission.
"Ministry of Corporate Affairs and Department of Revenue have been requested to conduct necessary investigation for possible acts of omission and commission," it said in the reply.