On Tuesday, the Supreme Court declined to entertain a plea from Daman and Diu MP Umeshbhai Babubhai Patel, who sought a court-monitored SIT investigation into alleged financial irregularities amounting to around Rs.33 crore in the renovation, demolition, and restoration of the Union Territory secretariat building in Moti Daman.
A Bench comprising Chief Justice B R Gavai and Justice K Vinod Chandran advised Patel to approach the Bombay High Court with his request instead. During the hearing, Patel’s counsel highlighted that the MP is facing 52 FIRs and is also challenging an order issued by the Lokpal. The lawyer argued that these cases stemmed from Patel raising concerns over corruption and financial mismanagement in the UT administration.
Chief Justice Gavai questioned whether the law could apply differently to a Member of Parliament compared to an ordinary citizen. On being reminded that Patel represents the people as an elected official, the CJI reiterated that the matter falls within the jurisdiction of the high court.
The Bench further directed that the Bombay High Court should take up Patel’s plea expeditiously, possibly within a day of filing. The MP had sought an independent investigation into alleged misuse of funds in the secretariat project at Moti Daman.
Source Link
Picture Source :
