Petition filed over Modi`s fast expenditure

A public interest litigation (PIL) has been filed in the Gujarat High Court on Monday demanding an explanation on the expenses incurred on Narendra Modi's fast. An Ahmedabad-based non-government organisation (NGO) has filed a PIL on the basis of the media reports estimating the expenses nearing Rs 60 crore on the three-day fast.

Vikalp Trust has demanded information regarding the procedure bound to be followed to organise such an event. The petitioner has contended that the Sadbhavana mission was a personal affair of Narendra Modi and not a public function.

The PIL, which was filed on the basis of media reports of nearly Rs 60 crore spent on Modi's three-day fast at the Gujarat University Convention Hall.

The petitioner has sought information on the source of income that whether the money flowed from public treasury. A High Court bench headed by the acting chief justice is likely to take up hearing for the PIL in a week's time. Himanshu Banker, managing trustee of Vikalp filed the PIL through his lawyer K G Pandit. Banker also contended that if the fast was a personal or party function or a sponsored one, why should the state government functionaries sanction the amount or the government machinery should be allowed to be used.