The CBI said the money in them could be part of "ill-gotten and benami" wealth.
CBI today opposed the petition filed by controversial Adarsh Housing Society seeking defreezing of its bank accounts, saying that the money in them could be part of "ill-gotten and benami" wealth.
The society had sought defreezing of its two bank accounts with the State Bank of India to bear legal and day-to-day expenses. The accounts, which have around Rs two crore deposits, were frozen by CBI soon after a case was registered by the agency in January this year.
A division bench of Justice Ranjana Desai and Justice RV More reserved the petition for orders.
"There is a possibility that the money may have been acquired as benami. This money is linked to some offence which will have to be investigated," additional solicitor general Darius Khambatta, appearing for CBI said. He, however, offered to consider the expenses if the society produced bills.
Senior counsel VA Thorat and advocate Satish Maneshinde, appearing for the society, argued that they have to pay approximately Rs1.5 crore towards property tax to BMC.
"Apart from the daily expenditure towards maintenance of the building and security, the society also has to pay lawyers for several pending litigations," Thorat argued.
Opposing this Khambatta said that the society could approach the state government which could extend legal aid. "An accused has right to be represented by a lawyer. The government would provide the same but then they cannot have the luxury of counsel of their choice. They (society) have been appointing the best lawyers so far," he said.
On his part, Thorat argued that the society is not an accused in the FIR lodged by CBI. "FIR is only against 13 persons. Why should the entire society suffer?" he asked.
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