November 12, 2013: After seeking an opportunity to meet with the MoD and represent its case at a formal meeting for the last nine months, the company has finally been accorded the opportunity on November 20 at South Block. A decision to give the company a chance to meet with senior officials of the MoD over the AW101 VVIP helicopter controversy was taken at the Defence Acquisition Council meeting today chaired by Defence Minister A.K. Antony, who will personally be present at the representation engagement on November 20 as well. According to MoD sources, while AgustaWestland will be allowed two hours on November 20 to make its case, it will have until November 26 to formally respond to the October 21 show-cause notice, deemed the final notice to the company on a list of allegations against it with regard to the 2010 deal for 12 AW101 helicopters for the IAF. Significantly, top sources have also told SP's that the Indian Air Force has advised against an outright cancellation of the deal, which has been suspended after the supply of three helicopters, currently stationed at Palam Air Force Station in Delhi. The IAF is understood to have opined that the punitive clauses in the Defence Procurement Procedure could be invoked to penalise the company for any wrongdoing found, but that the deal should stand and supply of the remaining nine helicopters should ensue so that the Communications Squadron has requisite numbers for its VVIP transportation duties.