The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) concluded a 2017 corruption Case of Praful Patel . In leasing aircraft for Air India, including former civil aviation minister.
The court submitted a closure report on March 19th. Thus citing no evidence to support corruption allegations. And also has ordered the investigating officer for a hearing on April 15th.
Less than a year ago, which he subsequently moved to execute, Patel and Ajit Pawar planned an upside-down break in the NCP. He allied with the BJP and Shiv Sena to form the Maharashtra government. Patel and Ajit Pawar broke the NCP and formed the Maharashtra government.
Therefore, He allied with the BJP and Shiv Sena. The CBI filed four complaints in May 2017. The claim was that Patel’s Ministry of Civil Aviation staff had abused their authority, costing the government money.
WHAT WAS THE CASE?
In 2012, CPIL filed a Special Leave Petition in the Supreme Court. It claimed that Patel, Air India, and private parties leased numerous aircraft without proper route study or price strategy considerations. Patel headed the United Progressive Alliance’s civil aviation minister from 2004 until 2011.
Regarding bribery to public officers, the CBI filed a formal complaint. It was under portions 420, and 120B of the IPC and other portions of the Prevention of Corruption Act. The plaintiff argued that NACIL, leased multiple planes despite Air India purchasing its aircraft. It was a business formed after the merger of Air India and Indian Airlines.
Citing the charges, the CBI FIR asserts that executives from Air India leased fifteen costly aircraft. Also, without having pilots prepared. Whereas, Air India leased four Boeing 777s for five years in 2006, despite delivery due in July 2007. This resulted in five 777s and an equal number of 737s being idle. It was due to the absence of an early termination clause in standard lease agreements.
The CBI FIR alleges that public servants and NACIL conspired with private parties to choose dry and wet leases. However, It was without considering proper route study, marketing, or pricing strategy.
To help private parties, Air India leased four Boeing 777s for five years in 2006. It began receiving its aircraft in July 2007. Although, five Boeing 777s and five Boeing 737s were left idle. As a result, it is believed to have cost Rs 840 crore between 2007 and 2009.
WHO IS PRAFUL PATEL?
Praful Khoda Patel is an Indian politician. He is serving as the unelected administrator of the union territories of Lakshadweep, Daman, Diu, Dadra, and Nagar Haveli.
Patel won the 2007 Gujarat Legislative Assembly election for Himatnagar. Thus, winning the 12th assembly. He served as Mos Home Minister under Modi in 2010 -2011.
Praful Patel’s ties with Modi helped secure his ministerial appointment, Amit Shah vacated back in jail. After losing the 2012 Gujarat Legislative Assembly election, Modi appointed him as Administrator of Daman and Diu in 2016. Praful Patel is a politically appointed administrator in the history of union territories. Indian Administrative Service officers held him in the case.
CASES AGAINST PRAFUL PATEL
Its first formal complaint addressed the acquisition of 111 Boeing aircraft. Indian and American banks has financed the loans . Therefore, it resulted in a debt mountain on the balance sheet of the business.
The second Federal Inquiry Report (FIR) pertained to the accusations of collusion between the Ministry of Officials. Commercial affair in the aircraft leasing business, notwithstanding Air India’s scheduled delivery of the ordered aircraft. In the second case, the agency has submitted a closure report.
The third Federal Investigation Report addressed claims that Air India abandoned attractive players. That resulted in losses for the business and profits for private players.
Charge documents against corporate lawyer Deepak Talwar also mentioned Patel. According to reports, he argued with the ministry. Also, He helped international airlines get profitable routes at Air India’s expense. CBI and the Enforcement Directorate has filed these charged sheet in the case.
