Government has not yet taken any decision to blacklist AgustaWestland- the Anglo-Italian firm accused of paying kickbacks- and any such move will depend on the outcome of the CBI probe, Defence Minister A K Antony told the Rajya Sabha today.
In a written reply to the House, the Minister also said that the company has submitted its bids to supply helicopters to Indian Navy and Indian Coast Guard (ICG).
"No decision regarding blacklisting of AgustaWestland company has been taken so far, as the matter is under examination," he said.
Asked to state details of legal implications that forces government "not to cancel VVIP helicopter deal with AgustaWestland" and blacklisting its parent company Finmeccanica, Antony said, "Decision for cancelling the contract will depend on the outcome of the CBI investigation."
Defence Ministry had signed a contract with AgustaWestland in February 2012 to procure 12 VVIP helicopters at a total cost of Euro 556.26 million.
On whether CBI has come to the conclusion that there is a case of corruption in the deal, Antony said, "The FIR contains allegations of criminal conspiracy, abuse of official position, offering illegal gratification and acceptance of illegal gratification by concerned person/middlemen."
He also said that the CBI is also examining whether the case includes contractual violation and criminal liability.
On whether some of the tainted companies in the chopper deal have applied for tenders for supply helicopters, Antony said, "Yes. AgustaWestland has submitted bids for Naval Utility Helicopters of Navy and Twin Engine Helicopters proposal of ICG."