A division bench of Justice BH Marlapalle and Justice UD Salvi was hearing a public interest litigation (PIL) filed by former journalist Ketan Tirodkar alleging that Kale obtained the flat by disclosing false information and that he is a front for Pawar.
Deputy chief minister Ajit Pawar was dragged into the Adarsh society scam on Thursday after the Bombay high court served a notice to his personal assistant and former chairman of Ajit Sahakari Bank Limited, Shivaji Kale, asking him to explain how he obtained a flat in the controversial building.
A division bench of Justice BH Marlapalle and Justice UD Salvi was hearing a public interest litigation (PIL) filed by former journalist Ketan Tirodkar alleging that Kale obtained the flat by disclosing false information and that he is a front for Pawar.
Tirodkar alleged that Kale, who works a rector in Baramati Hostel at Pune and is also Pawar’s personal assistant, filed an undertaking as a member of Adarsh society before the collector of Mumbai on July 13, 2004, stating that his net taxable monthly income is Rs12,000. “He got an apartment in this society on the strength of this affidavit and recommendation of Pawar, then cabinet minister,” the petition states.
Tirodkar further alleged that on December 1, 2008, Kale filed an affidavit while seeking anticipatory bail in a criminal case which stated that he and his wife own 76 immovable properties in and around Pune, including farm houses, “but did not mention the Adarsh flat.” Tirodkar alleged that either Kale acquired his properties by “devious means, or they are financed by someone.”
The judges noted, “For all these reasons, prima facie case is made out against Kale to register an offence under Prevention of Corruption Act as it involves a public authority since Kale was chairman of a public sector bank.” They directed Kale to file his reply within four weeks.
Advocate general Ravi Kadam and public prosecutor PA Pol submitted that no case is made out against Pawar and his name should be dropped from the petition. The judges directed Tirodkar for “the time being” to delete Pawar’s name saying he can amend his petition later if required.
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
)
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
)
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
)
)
)
)
)
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}