Subramaniam told The Indian Express that he would consult legal experts once he receives the notice sent by Bhatia early this week. Bhatia, who has crossed swords with the Chief Secy since last six months, has served the notice demanding an unconditional apology from the latter. Bhatia has charged that Subramaniam has defamed him in an interview to a city eveninger. The interview appeared in the eveninger on April 17, 1999.

``I have not received any notice as yet and have come to know about it only through the newspapers. I have decided to consult legal experts and the notice will be answered accordingly. I will fight the legal battle with full force,'' Subramaniam said.

When asked if it was proper on the part of a bureaucrat to servesuch a notice on his boss on receiving public support, Subramaniam said it was up to the people to decide for themselves. ``The people should know whom to support and the person should also understand the legal limitations while taking any action,'' the Chief Secy said.

Subramaniam said the inquiry initiated against Bhatia for leaking official government correspondence to the press, will take a long time to finish. He added that disciplinary action, if any, would be taken by the government only after the inquiry was over. ``One has to follow the detailed legal procedure before taking punitive action and it will take time,'' said Subramaniam.

Interestingly, Chief Minister Narayan Rane on Thursday said that the government has taken cognizance of details of the legal notice being leaked to the press by Bhatia. Rane had reiterated that Bhatia will not be spared if he went wrong anywhere in performing his legal duties at any time.