Adarsh scam case: CBI gets Maharashtra Governor's nod to prosecute former CM Ashok Chavan

Maharashtra Governor Vidyasagar Rao on Friday gave sanction to Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to prosecute senior Congress leader and former Chief Minister Ashok Chavan in connection with the Adarsh Housing Society corruption case.

CBI had last month approached the Governor seeking permission after it reportedly got 'fresh evidence' against Chavan in the case.

In December 2013, the then Governor K Sankaranarayan had refused sanction to CBI to prosecute Chavan in the Adarsh housing scam, leaving the agency with no choice but to close the case against him.

Chavan had earlier said, "The BJP Government is using CBI for political vendetta. We will make our next move considering legal recourse available."

Chavan, who had to resign as Chief Minister after the scam surfaced in 2010, was among the 12 persons who were charge-sheeted by the agency in connection with the case.

CBI had alleged that Chavan suggested inclusion of civilian members in Adarsh Housing Society meant for war veterans and widows of defence personnel, to secure flats for his relatives.

CBI had first approached a trial court seeking to drop Chavan's name as an accused on the ground that the Governor had refused to sanction his prosecution. As the CBI court rejected it, the agency moved the Bombay High Court.

The High Court too dismissed CBI's application last November observing that the Governor had refused sanction for prosecution for conspiracy charges under the Indian Penal Code but he can still be prosecuted under the Prevention of Corruption Act.