On backfoot in Brakel case,govt justifies its changed stand

Immediately after the High Court orders,the state cabinet had decided to cancel the allotment and impose penalty on the company. In a U-turn last week,the government chose to defend its decision of the allotment in Supreme Court where the Dutch Company has already filed an appeal against the High Court order.

A spokesman of the government said here this evening that there was no change in its stand. He said,“The interpretation of the affidavit by a section of the media was erroneous and not correct. Infact after the High Court decision,requiring the cancellation of the allotment of this project to Brakel Corporation,the government had taken a decision not to challenge it in the apex court. However,it was decided on October 10,2009,that in case other parties approach the Supreme Court,the government would put forward its point of view before the court.”

“A committee of the secretaries after considering the relevant records did not come across any incriminating information,which may prima facie indicate any serious infirmity.”