SC rejects plea for SIT probe into chopper deal

The Supreme Court on Friday dismissed a PIL on AgustaWestland VVIP helicopters deal. The PIL had sought apex court-monitored independent probe into the alleged kickbacks without involving the CBI which, it had alleged, was under the control of the government. The bench observed that the apex court was not the appropriate forum for it.

Advocate ML Sharma had filed the PIL last month after defence minister AK Antony ordered a CBI probe into the allegations of payment of bribes to clinch the deal. It had sought, among other things,  the quashing of the deal for the purchase of 12 helicopters to fly VVIPs and give direction to the central government to set up a SIT) to investigate the deal.