India has dropped a graft case against an Italian businessman accused over an arms scandal which ended Rajiv Gandhi's prime ministership 20 years ago.
The government told the Supreme Court the case against Ottavio Quattrocchi was being withdrawn.
The opposition BJP condemned the decision, it said the government was shielding the Italian businessman.
He was accused in the Bofors corruption case. In April India withdrew his name from the Interpol "wanted list".
"The central government has consented for withdrawal of the prosecution of Quattrocchi," Solicitor General Gopal Subramanium told a Supreme Court bench headed by Chief Justice KG Balakrishnan.
"We have to take a call on the matter and the government has taken a call after considering all aspects," he said. read more
