The traditional naval welcome, accorded to a chief of naval staff (CNS) at any place which he visits first after relinquishing office was, however, denied him.

Though nobody seemed sure of the protocol on receiving a dismissed CNS -- and there were doubts the same had been breached -- Rear Admiral Ray said matter-of-factly: ``Admiral Bhagwat was the CNS, and I, being the chief of staff of the Western Naval Command, was absolutely right in receiving him.''

Ray explained that welcoming a former CNS was a standard practice, and he had specific directives to do so from his bosses. ``It doesn't matter weather a CNS retires naturally or not. For the Navy, Bhagwat is still a former admiral.''

A cheerful and relaxed Bhagwat, who was mobbed by the press outside the terminal later defended his actions and said that the allegations levelled against him by the Government were a ``tissue of lies.''

Bhagwat read aloud a statement and explained that when he was relieved of his charge, he decided not to challenge the government ``in spite of the grave injustice done to the Navy.''

However, the soft-spoken admiral was also quick to point out that his silence did not mean that he will take things lying down. ``I will not allow my honour to be besmirched in this manner. The allegations of the Government are a tissue of lies and I will not allow these lies and slander to pass,'' he promised.

Drawing parallel with the plight of Lokmanya Tilak, Bhagwat said that he often thought of what the great freedom fighter said when he faced trial for sedition in colonial India. Quoting Tilak, Bhagwat said: ``There are higher powers that rule the destiny of men and nations, and it may be the will of providence that the cause which I represent may prosper more by my suffering than by remaining free (in office).

``I have given my whole life to the Navy and the nation, and I am proud of the legacy I am leaving. As a loyal and patriotic soldier of the republic, I have done my duty by our sacred Constitution and the rule of law,'' he added.

However, Niloufer Bhagwat, a noted advocate, who has been vociferously defending her husband, refused to speak on the issue. ``The admiral will address the press in detail later. Please excuse me now as I am very exhausted,'' she said.

Both the admiral and his wife also did not comment on whether they will move the court of law challenging the Government's order. Bhagwat was sacked on December 30 for ``deliberate defiance of the established Cabinet control over the defence forces'' and actions which threatened the traditional neutrality of the armed forces as well as national security.