In Brief
Four writ petitions challenged the Indian Government's procurement of 36 Rafale fighter jets, alleging lack of transparency, unfair pricing, and unlawful favour to Reliance Defence as offset partner. The petitioners sought FIR registration and contract cancellation, citing a former French President's statement. The Supreme Court held that judicial review of defence procurement is more constricted than commercial contracts and limited to examining decision-making process, legality, and procedural propriety. The Court found the procurement process sound, defence-strategic merits apparent, and pricing legitimately confidential. The Court held the OEM was free to select its Indian Offset Partner independently; the Government had no such role. All petitions were dismissed.
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