Thaindian News

New Delhi, May 29 (IANS) The Delhi High Court Tuesday reserved its verdict on a plea of Global Vectra Helicorp, the aviation arm of the Ravi Rishi-led Vectra Group, challenging the aviation regulator’s decision to suspend its permit to fly choppers.

Justice Vipin Sanghi reserved the verdict after counsel appearing for Global Vectra, Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and the union home ministry concluded their arguments.

The DGCA May 7 suspended the firm’s operating permit after the home ministry raised security concerns. The government has also withdrew the security clearance of Ravi Rishi.

The Central Bureau of Investigation is currently probing the alleged role of Rishi, London-based Vectra Group’s chairperson, in connection with the multi-crore-rupee deal for the heavy-duty all-terrain Tatra trucks for the army and the bribery allegations made by army chief Gen. V.K. Singh.

Appearing for the company, senior advocate Neeraj Kishan Kaul contended before the court that the order on the company’s operating permit had been passed without a show cause notice and hence was in complete violation of the principle of natural justice.

“It cannot be disputed that no explanation was sought from the petitioner nor any enquiry conducted prior to taking such serious action of withdrawal of security clearance and suspending its non-scheduled operator’s permit which virtually brings its business to an end,” Kaul added.

The company submitted that the home ministry informed the DGCA that security clearance of Ravi Rishi had been withdrawn. The DGCA then suspended the non-scheduled chopper operator’s permit.

Defending the decision, DGCA advocate Anjana Gosain told the court that it had only followed the process suggested by the home ministry, which was acting on the grounds of public safety.

With a fleet of 23 choppers, the company operates onshore and offshore operations for oil companies and also caters to tourists in northeast India.