SC judge recuses from hearing plea of Chhagan Bhujbal

A Supreme Court judge on Friday recused himself from hearing a plea of Chhagan Bhujbal, former Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra, challenging a Bombay High Court decision dismissing his petition for bail.

Bhujbal has also challenged his arrest under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).

The bench headed by Chief justice Dipak Misra posted the matter for hearing on March 26 and asked it to be listed before an appropriate bench in which Justice Khanwilkar is not a member.

"Let the matter be listed on Monday, the March 26 2018 before appropriate bench wherein one of us, namely, Justice A M Khanwilkar is not a member. Registry is directed to do the needful," the bench, which also comprised Justice D Y Chandrachud, said.

The Bombay High Court had in December 2016 dismissed Bhujbal's petition seeking bail and challenging his arrest under the PMLA.

Bhujbal was arrested on March 14 2016 by the Enforcement Directorate in connection with the Maharashtra Sadan scam and Kalina land case in which he and his relatives were alleged to have received kickbacks.