Rafale Judgement: End to political dogfights

The Supreme Court’s rejection of a probe into accusations of corruption and impropriety around the controversial Rafale deal on Thursday lays to rest the political squabbling that has bedevilled India’s plans to replace its fleet of ageing combat aircraft. However, it will continue to raise questions around accountability, stagnating reforms initiated to streamline the procurement system, which the Rafale has come to exemplify.

The apex court’s rejection on all objections on the three aspects of the deal – decision-making, pricing and the India offset partner – ratifies the right and the mandate of a government to take decisions effecting national security with different degrees of scrutiny. “Our country cannot afford to be unprepared/underprepared in a situation where our adversaries have acquired not only fourth generation, but even fifth generation aircraft, of which we have none,” said the court.