DataWind is definitely going through a tough phase. Following its public spat with IIT Rajasthan, DataWind found itself embroiled in another controversy with its ex partner Quad Electronics accusing the Canadian company of defaulting payments. Both the ex-partners have dragged each other into court. But that’s not all. In another round of controversy, DataWind has filed a defamation suit against the Indian Cellular Association (ICA) for allegedly issuing statements that hurt commercial interests of the company. The ICA had written to the HRD ministry recently, saying the manufacturers likes of Samsung and Nokia were better choices for handing over the Aakash tablet project, it’s learnt.
According to an Economic Times report, DataWind CEO Suneet Singh Tuli has confirmed filing a defamation case against the ICA. “We have sent a legal notice to them for spreading false reports against us in the media and in government meetings including places such as the department of IT,” he told ET.
Meanwhile, ICA president Pankaj Mohindroo has acknowledged receiving a legal notice from DataWind. However, Mohindroo said that the legal sent to the association is simply baseless. “As an association we get invited to consult government on various issues. It’s our duty to advice the government what is in best interests of the country and its visionary Aakash project,” he said.
The Aakash tablet project has been hit by a spate of controversies since it was announced in October last year. The government is going to bring another an upgraded version of the Aakash tablet next month at the same price of the original Aakash tablet. DataWind will be supplying the first lot of Aakash tablets before the government outs a new tender for the ultra low-cost device.
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