Contempt petition against Maha CM in Sai Baba temple case

The Chief Minister, who also holds Law and Judiciary portfolio, and the Principal Secretary "failed deliberately and intentionally to follow the rules in appointing the new committee as directed by the High Court", it says.

The petition would come up for hearing soon. It also seeks "non-bailable warrants" against the respondents to ensure their attendance pending the final hearing.

By not framing rules for appointment of the new managing committee of the 'Sansthan' (temple trust), the respondents showed disregard of the HC orders and "lowered its prestige and dignity", petitioner Sanjay Kale says.

High Court had repeatedly directed the government to frame rules under Sai Baba Sansthan Act, but the managing committee was appointed without framing rules, says Kale.

The HC, hearing an earlier petition, had directed the State to appoint a new committee. The committee was appointed in March this year.

Subsequently, the court stayed the appointments in response to some PILs, and appointed a temporary panel of Collector, District Judge and Executive Officer of the Trust. (More)