‘Kerala can’t escape damages liability’

The Supreme Court on Wednesday remarked that former ISRO scientist Nambi Narayanan faced a dent in his reputation in the espionage case and the Kerala government cannot evade liability to compensate him for the loss of reputation.

A Bench of Chief Justice Dipak Misra and Justices A.M. Khanwilkar and D.Y. Chandrachud said it could direct the recovery of the compensation either from the officers who were involved in the probe or the State government.

The Bench is also looking at a possible re-investigation into the role of the then SIT officers who had framed the former scientist.

“We can direct that his reputation be restored and for the loss of reputation we can give the compensation. There is direct judgment to this effect and direct recovery from those officers who were involved in the investigation of the case,” the Bench said.

Hearing to continue

The court also said the officers involved in the investigation have to pay from their pocket. “The only question remains is how much and when”, it said. The hearing remained inconclusive and will continue on Thursday.

While working as scientist at the Indian Space Research Organisation, Mr. Narayanan was arrested on November 30, 1994, for alleged espionage.