Nambi Narayanan was accused of selling state secrets like confidential test data from rocket and satellite launches. He was arrested in December 1994 and charged with espionage. Narayanan was instrumental in developing Vikas Engine which was used for the first PSLV launched by India. Narayanan alleged that he was tortured during his 50-day custody and was pressured to give false statements

On September 14, the Supreme Court cleared Narayanan of all charges following an investigation into the infamous Isro espionage case

Nambi Narayanan, former Indian Indian Space Research Organisation (Isro) scientist falsely implicated for espionage, said on Saturday that he was happy on receiving the Padma Bhushan award.

"Of course, I'm happy. I became a victim of spying, I became more popular in that sense, in a way people started sympathising with me. This award gives me a feeling that my contribution has been recognised," he said.

Nambi Narayanan was accused of selling state secrets like confidential test data from rocket and satellite launches. He was arrested in December 1994 and charged with espionage.

The scientist was instrumental in developing Vikas Engine which was used for the first PSLV launched by India.

Narayanan and four others were arrested on charges of leaking vital defence secrets to two Maldivian intelligence officers namely Mariam Rasheeda and Fauzia Hassan.

It was alleged that he leaked information about Vikas engine's design and cryogenic technology.

Narayanan alleged that he was tortured during his 50-day custody and was pressured to give false statements to implicate others in the case.

On September 14, the Supreme Court cleared Narayanan of all charges following an investigation into the infamous Isro espionage case.

The Court also directed Kerala State Government to pay him a compensation of Rs 50 lakh.

The Supreme Court erased all adverse records against him to restore his reputation.

The trailer of a biopic on Nambi Narayanan - Rocketry The Nambi Effect - was released on October 31 last year, but there's no confirmation on the release date yet. After Narayanan's Bharat Ratna win, Madhavan also tweeted that he won't be changing the script to accommodate the award in the biopic.

Rocketry: The Nambi Effect is a film on the life of ISRO scientist Nambi Narayanan, who was falsely charged with espionage in 1994. Madhavan stated that he is eagerly waiting to tell Nambi Narayanan's story to the world.