HC questions state over steps taken against Eknath Khadse's disproportionate assets

The Bombay High Court on Monday asked the state government to give details of steps it has taken after receiving representations from activist Anjali Damania, leveling allegations of disproportionate assets and income against minister Eknath Khadse.

A division bench of Justice BR Gavai and Justice MS Karnik, said, "If we find that the state has taken steps, court may not precipitate in the matter. However, if we find that the state has failed to take necessary steps, we will have to ask. Why must this court remain silent to such serious allegations? Duty is cast on us to see if justice is done."

The directions were given while hearing an application moved by Khadse seeking to dismiss the Public Interest litigation filed by Damania. The PIL alleges that Khadse had amassed huge wealth, that the property owned by Khadse and his relatives is thoroughly disproportionate to the known sources of income and sought a Special Investigation Team (SIT) be set up for conducting a detailed probe.

Khadse, through his counsel Daraius Khambata, argued that the PIL was not maintainable as it was filed by persons who were and are related to a political party and is filed with malafide intention. It was also argued that the PIL should be dismissed as there was an alternate remedy available for the petitioners which was not taken and instead approached the HC.

Senior Advocate Mihir Desai appearing for Damania argued that representation to various authorities like Enforcement Directorate, Anti Corruption Bureau, Economic Offenses wing and other officials was made 10 months ago in November 2016. Yet there has been no headway.