Adarsh society scam: Probe panel’s report expected soon

The final report of the two-member judicial commission probing the Adarsh scam is likely to be submitted to the state government by early next month. Though the extension sought by the commission ends on March 31, sources in the government say the report may be submitted next week, and would later be tabled in the state legislature.

The final report of the two-member judicial commission probing the Adarsh scam is likely to be submitted to the state government by early next month.

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Though the extension sought by the commission ends on March 31, sources in the government say the report may be submitted next week, and would later be tabled in the state legislature.

Set up in January 2011, the commission wrapped up its inquiry into the alleged irregularities in the construction of the 31-storey tower at Colaba in January after examining nearly 214 witnesses, including former chief ministers Sushil-kumar Shinde, late Vilasrao Deshmukh and Ashok Chavan, besides former army chiefs and bureaucrats.

“The report has several implications — political as well as for the administration. They have sought extensions earlier and they could do that again given the scope of inquiry. The future course of action would depend on the findings,” said JK Banthia, state chief secretary.

The panel will address 11 terms of reference, largely revolving around the legality of the sanctions granted to the housing society, and the role of public servants in granting these clearances.

It had also conceded development control rules were flouted or procedures were not followed while granting the building a higher floor space index (FSI).

Hence, some of the findings of the report could be on expected lines, but the moot question is on whom and how the panel fixes responsibility for the violations.