Jairaj Phatak refutes role in Adarsh scam

Former civic commissioner Jairaj Phatak has denied misusing his powers to favour Adarsh Society.

He was replying to a public interest litigation (PIL) which alleged that his son was given a flat in the controversial building. 

The division bench of chief justice Mohit Shah and justice SJ Vazifdar were hearing a petition filed by social activist Santosh Daundkar alleging that Phatak in 2007 and 2009 approved two separate proposals of High Rise Committee (HRC) in order to increase the height of the building. However, Phatak in his affidavit said, “My son was made a member of the society in 2004 itself. I was not holding the post of BMC commissioner at that time. No favour was given by BMC to attribute increase in market value
of the flats (of Adarsh Society) in 2004.” 

Filed in March 2010, the PIL challenged a GR dated July 20, 2004, by which it formed the HRC. The PIL states that HRC has granted several approvals for high rise buildings in city in contrary to law.

It also states that Phatak on August 23, 2007 approved the HRC’s decision to grant approval for the height of 97.6 metres for the Adarsh building.

Phatak’s affidavit, filed in April 2010 was submitted by his counsel Ram Apte to the court. “The petitioner wants to penalise me because my son has allegedly been benefited on account of increase in the property price,” he said.