HC directs Mah govt to appoint spl prosecutors for MPID cases

A division bench of Justices V M Kanade and P D Kode, which was hearing an application filed by Nana Desai, has directed the Principal Secretary, Law and Judiciary Department to ensure appointment of special public prosecutors attend MPID cases before the special court.

The bench had earlier directed the additional public prosecutor to find out the state of affairs before the special MPID court.

The court was informed that in-charge public prosecutor Kalpana Chavan has written a letter to the Chief Secretary, Law and Judiciary Department, requesting him to appoint special public prosecutors but no steps have been taken yet.

"It appears that the Principal Judge of the city civil and sessions court has also asked the public prosecutor to take steps for appointment of special public prosecutors to attend MPID cases," Justice Kanade observed.

Directing the Department to look into the matter and ensure that special public prosecutors are promptly appointed for appearing in MPID cases, the High Court has sought a report from the Chief Secretary, Law and Judiciary Department.

The report will have to be submitted by January 14, 2013.

The MPID Act came into force in 1999 to curb the fly-by-night companies collecting money from public assuring them higher returns. After receiving several complaints against such companies, the Maharashtra government passed a resolution enacting the MPID Act.