Bailable warrant against mayor Ashok Lahoti

Lokayukta justice SS Kothari has issued a bailable warrant against Jaipur Mayor Ashok Lahoti for not appearing in a matter related to non-formation of standing committee in the civic body, despite serving him summon twice. A fine of Rs5000 has been imposed against the mayor with a show cause notice.

The office of Lokayukta took strict legal against the First Person of the city for non-compliance of directions which Kothari had issued him in a case related to encroachment. As per the case, a five-storied building was constructed by a builder on plot no C-100 in the C Scheme area while permission was sanctioned to build only two stories. But, the municipal corporation did not take any action against the illegal building.

Later, when the JMC issued a notice the builder moved in the Rajasthan High Court. Hearing his petition, the court directed the JMC to dispose application of the builder pertaining to regularizing his construction within six weeks and till the decision on the regularization was taken, the building would not be demolished, said the court order dated February 6, 2012. Five years passed since the order but the application by the builder remains indisposed, which appears to save the building. It is to be mentioned here that such application are disposed of by a standing committee which has no existence in JMC currently.

Taking a call on the very issue, the office of Lokayukta summoned him to be appeared at his office on November 16 which he skipped. He not complied the direction when summoned again in December 8, inviting a fine of Rs2000. The Lokayukta took his indiscipline seriously and issued a bailable warrant of Rs2000 and Rs5000 notice against the mayor. Fine of Rs2000 issued earlier exists also. Lahoti has been asked to appear on January 18.