Ex-bureaucrat E.A.S. Sarma seeks judicial probe into starlink deal, cites security, legal concerns
New Delhi: Former Union Secretary E.A.S. Sarma has called for an independent judicial inquiry into the government’s decision to assign satellite spectrum directly to Elon Musk’s Starlink, raising concerns over national security, transparency, and financial loss to the public exchequer.
In a letter dated June 9, 2025, addressed to Cabinet Secretary T.V. Somanathan, Sarma reiterated that the move violates the Supreme Court’s judgment in the 2G spectrum case, and claimed that the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) made “imprudent concessions” to Starlink. He accused the government of bypassing standard procedures and enabling a “near-monopoly” in satellite services to a foreign company allegedly aligned with the US defence establishment.
Sarma, a 1965 batch IAS officer, had raised similar objections in letters dating back to November 2024. He cited national interest and strategic risks, urging that spectrum be reserved for Indian agencies such as ISRO, defence forces, and strategic public sector enterprises. He expressed concern that Starlink had been granted exemptions from standard security conditions, especially regarding installation near international borders.
In earlier communications, Sarma also flagged the risk of cartelisation, alleging that Starlink had formed an arrangement with domestic telecom operators Jio and Airtel, which could harm competition and consumer interests. He compared the situation to the 2G spectrum allocation, describing it as potentially “far worse.”
In his latest letter, Sarma referred to a Washington Post report detailing security lapses associated with Starlink terminals installed near sensitive locations in the United States, including the Eisenhower Executive Office Building in Washington D.C. The report cited concerns from White House IT staff and a House Oversight Committee member about Starlink’s potential to bypass secure networks.
Sarma stated that these revelations should prompt the Indian government to reassess its engagement with Starlink. He urged a judicial probe into whether the spectrum assignment violated Supreme Court guidelines, altered licence conditions to benefit Starlink, and caused a financial loss by not opting for a transparent auction.
Concluding his letter, Sarma warned that continued inaction would indicate a lack of accountability. He added that if the government fails to respond, he may be compelled to seek judicial intervention.
The Centre has not yet issued a public response to Sarma’s latest allegations.
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Man killed in flat ceiling plaster crash, wife and son hurt
Thane (PTI): A 45-year-old man was killed, and his wife and son were injured when a portion of plaster from the ceiling collapsed in their flat in a seven-storey building in Thane on Saturday, officials said.
Chief of the Regional Disaster Management Cell, Yasin Tadvi, said the 16-year-old building is not listed in the "dangerous" category.
"The incident occurred in Karumdev Society at about 3 am. The plaster of the hall in a flat on the terrace floor suddenly fell while the occupants were asleep", he said.
Of the four people who were inside the room, two suffered minor injuries and were discharged after primary treatment, Tadvi stated.
The injured persons were identified as Arpita More (42), who suffered minor head injuries, and her son Arush More (16), who sustained injuries to both legs.
Manoj More (45), who sustained chest injuries, died during treatment at a private hospital.
