In an order that will send shockwaves through Maharashtra politics, the Bombay High Court on Friday directed the demolition of the controversial Adarsh Society in the plush Cuffe Parade area of Mumbai. The court has also asked cases to be filed against leaders and bureaucrats for overlooking rules while allowing construction of the multi-storey building.
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Former Maharashtra CM Ashok Chavan who quit after being accused of being involved in the scam refused to comment on the court order saying, “I don’t want to react on the court judgement”.
The order was given after a petition filed by Adarsh Housing Society had challenged the Environment Ministry’s order to demolish the building.
The Adarsh Housing Society made national headlines after it came to light that a nexus of politicians, army officials and bureaucrats had colluded to obtain flats built on prime defence land to house army officers, war heroes and widows. The report had said that Chavan’s decision of giving exemption from 15% reservation ground, which allowed for the building to go higher, can not be considered innocent.
The allegations of the Central Bureau of Investigation against Chavan refer to his role as revenue minister, on the issue of proposing to include civilians in the society, which was initially said to be meant for retired defence personnel. He had to step down as Chief Minister after the scam surfaced in 2010.
According to CBI, Chavan had approved additional floor space in Adarsh in exchange for flats for his relatives in Adarsh – a society meant for war veterans.
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Fifty people, including financiers of some of the flats, had been charge sheeted by CBI in the case.
