State transport minister to plead for mercy in Supreme Court

Maharashtra transport minister Surup Singh Naik, who has been sentenced to one-month's simple imprisonment on Wednesday, is likely to file a mercy petition in the Supreme Court. Naik has left for New Delhi to discuss the next course of action with AICC chief Sonia Gandhi.

The apex court sentenced Naik for violating the court’s order of allowing saw mills to function within prohibited forest regions. He was also charged with misguiding the court on saw mills exploiting forest woods for commercial purposes.

Naik, a senior Cabinet minister and tribal leader from Nandurbar (home town), is a staunch supporter of the Gandhi family. Chief minister Vilasrao Deshmukh received the news of the verdict during the Cabinet meeting. He asked his deputy RR Patil to convey the news to Naik. Some of the Cabinet ministers have, however, said the verdict was a setback to the state’s image.

“This is the first time a state minister has been sentenced to imprisonment for contempt of court,” said a minister.

Both Deshmukh and Patil tried to avoid the media after the Cabinet meeting. The chief minister, however, said, “I am yet to read the judgment. I cannot comment on the issue.” Congress spokesperson Hussain Dalwai said, “It would be improper to comment on the court verdict without reading the judgment. Naik is not only a senior minister but also a popular and loyal Congress tribal leader.”