Aerospace PSU Accuses Supplier Of Submitting 199 Fake Quality Certificates
Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has initiated criminal proceedings against a Hyderabad-based aerospace component supplier after allegedly uncovering forged quality test reports linked to parts supplied for the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas Mk1A programme.
According to reports, the HAL Police Station has registered a cheating and forgery case against M Sivarama Prasad, Chief Executive Officer of Tec Aero Devices, under Sections 420, 465, and 468 of the Indian Penal Code. The complaint was filed by Ranu Gupta, Deputy General Manager of HAL’s Aircraft Division.
The development comes as India continues to ramp up production of the Tejas Mk1A fighter jet, one of the country’s most significant indigenous defence programmes.
What Triggered HAL’s Investigation?
HAL stated that it had issued 18 purchase orders to Tec Aero Devices between March 2022 and September 2023 for the supply of aerospace components required for the Tejas Mk1A programme.
As part of standard aerospace procurement procedures, suppliers must submit material test certificates, inspection reports, and other quality assurance documents to verify compliance with strict aviation standards.
According to HAL, Tec Aero Devices submitted 199 test reports covering 172 components. During routine verification, the company sought original reports related to tensile strength, hardness, break load, shear testing, non-destructive testing, microstructure analysis, and salt spray testing.
The supplier allegedly failed to produce the original documents when requested.
Audit Revealed Alleged Fabrication Of Reports
HAL’s complaint states that Tec Aero Devices had informed the company that some reports were issued by Hyderabad-based Axis Inspection Solutions.
To verify the documents, HAL conducted an audit at the testing agency in November 2023.
During the audit, Axis Inspection Solutions reportedly informed HAL that none of the 199 reports had been issued by the company. The agency further alleged that its name and signatures had been misused to create fabricated test certificates.
Following internal reviews and verification, HAL concluded that the reports submitted between February and September 2023 were forged.
Supplier Debarred Until 2027
After issuing a showcause notice, HAL debarred Tec Aero Devices from conducting business with the aerospace PSU for three years, until March 10, 2027.
The company also stated that no payments were released against the disputed supplies.
HAL subsequently decided to pursue criminal action after completing internal deliberations and legal consultations.
Police have now launched an investigation and are seeking additional documents from HAL for verification.
Supplier Denies Knowledge Of Police Complaint
Responding to media reports, Tec Aero Devices CEO M Sivarama Prasad said he was unaware of the police complaint.
However, he confirmed that the company had been debarred by HAL in March 2024 over allegations involving fake laboratory certificates.
Prasad attributed the issue to an employee and said the company has since strengthened its quality control systems. He added that Tec Aero Devices has submitted multiple representations to HAL, including one recently, requesting the revocation of the debarment.
Why The Case Matters
The Tejas Mk1A programme is a cornerstone of India’s defence manufacturing ambitions and plays a crucial role in strengthening indigenous aerospace capabilities.
Given the stringent safety and reliability requirements of military aircraft, quality certification and material testing are critical components of the aerospace supply chain.
The outcome of the investigation is expected to be closely watched across India’s defence and aviation sectors, as it highlights the growing emphasis on quality assurance, compliance, and accountability within strategic manufacturing programmes.
