The Nagpur bench of the Bombay High Court has ordered a status quo on few decisions that were taken by Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde when he was minister in the Uddhav Thackeray-led government.
A division bench comprising of Justice Sunil Shukre and Justice MW Chandwani was apprised that Shinde who held the position of Urban Development Minister then,had asked the Nagpur Improvement Trust (NIT) to give away around 4.5 acres of land meant for slum dwellers, to 16 private persons.
The bench ordered that if any order of regularisation as claimed by the newspapers is really passed, then we would direct the authorities to maintain status quo as of date in respect of issue of regularisation till next date.
Since 2003, the Court has been monitoring the NIT allotment of the land to politicians and other influential individuals.
A petition has already been filed was alleging that the NIT gave away land to politicians and others at meagre rates.
On December 14, the bench was informed about certain news reports claiming that Shinde, had ordered the NIT to execute lease and give land acquired for housing scheme for slum dwellers, to 16 private persons.
The amicus curiae said that if this is true, then there is a possibility of the State government to interfere in the administration of justice as the matter is sub-Judice.
The bench having considered the contention ordered status quo.
The matter would be again heard on January 4, 2023.
Advocate Anand Parchure appeared as an Amicus Curiae.
Additional Government Pleader DP Thakare represented the State.