HC refuses to entertain PIL in godman episode involving Amruta

Image
Press Trust of India Mumbai
Last Updated : Mar 16 2016 | 4:23 PM IST
The Bombay High Court today refused to hear a public interest litigation seeking inquiry by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) and CBI into the alleged incident of a self-styled godman giving a necklace to Maharastra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis's wife Amruta.
A division bench of Chief Justice D H Waghela and Justice M S Sonak asked petitioner Anil Kokane to approach the concerned authority with a representation.
"The petitioner has sought investigation into the alleged activities and collusion between respondent 1 (Amruta Fadnavis) and respondent 2 (Guru Guruvanand Swamy). But the petitioner has not made any complaints before any authority before approaching this court. In such circumstances, this court cannot hear the petition," the court said.
The court permitted Kokane to withdraw his PIL and file representation or complaint before the concerned authority.
Kokane in this PIL sought direction to ED, CBI and Serious Fraud Investigation Office (SFIO) to conduct inquiry with respect to alleged "religious, political and financial collusion between Amruta Fadnavis and the self-styled godman".
"Amruta should also apologise to the general public for promoting such fraudsters (Godmen)," the petition sought.
The petition states that on February 9 this year Guruvanand Swamy of Tirupati in South India presented a necklace to Amruta from thin air allegedly using his tantric powers. "The next day (10/2/16) Amruta said the Guru is highly qualified and well reputed," the petition claimed.
*Subscribe to Business Standard digital and get complimentary access to The New York Times

Smart Quarterly

₹900

3 Months

₹300/Month

SAVE 25%

Smart Essential

₹2,700

1 Year

₹225/Month

SAVE 46%
*Complimentary New York Times access for the 2nd year will be given after 12 months

Super Saver

₹3,900

2 Years

₹162/Month

Subscribe

Renews automatically, cancel anytime

Here’s what’s included in our digital subscription plans

Exclusive premium stories online

  • Over 30 premium stories daily, handpicked by our editors

Complimentary Access to The New York Times

  • News, Games, Cooking, Audio, Wirecutter & The Athletic

Business Standard Epaper

  • Digital replica of our daily newspaper — with options to read, save, and share

Curated Newsletters

  • Insights on markets, finance, politics, tech, and more delivered to your inbox

Market Analysis & Investment Insights

  • In-depth market analysis & insights with access to The Smart Investor

Archives

  • Repository of articles and publications dating back to 1997

Ad-free Reading

  • Uninterrupted reading experience with no advertisements

Seamless Access Across All Devices

  • Access Business Standard across devices — mobile, tablet, or PC, via web or app

More From This Section

First Published: Mar 16 2016 | 4:23 PM IST

Next Story