BANGALORE: The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) abandoned him. Union Ministers also abandoned him. But all is “not yet lost” for former chairman of ISRO G Madhavan Nair, whose hopes for “justice” are still alive in the form of the Prime Minister.
Nair, who along with three more scientists, was barred from holding any government posts on account of the controversial S Band spectrum deal between Antrix and Devas, had written to the PM more than a fortnight ago. Nair has maintained that the PM would recognise the wrong-doing on the part of “vested interests”, and restore his “honour and dignity”.
But while his wait for the PM’s reply in the matter goes on, many Union Ministers have gone on record to “warn” the scientific fraternity that they cannot get away from their misdeeds. Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs V Narayanasamy had said there would be no review of the ban.
Nair on the other hand has maintained his innocence and has also filed an RTI plea seeking details on the ban imposed on him and others, as he claims that he has still not received any official correspondence from ISRO over the ban. “I hope he (PM) will reconsider the decision and take required action,” said Nair on Sunday, adding that he expected that the RTI application would take some more time. “I expect it will take at least a month for getting all the details,” he said.
An earlier committee comprising of Professor Roddam Narasimha and B K Chaturvedi had said there was no question of financial losses due to “cheap selling” of spectrum in the Antrix-Devas deal.