Adarsh scam: more trouble for Deshmukh

Maharashtra urban development department (UDD) in its affidavit before Adarsh commission has admitted for the first time that a decision taken by the Vilasrao Deshmukh government to clear the controversial Adarsh tower was not correct.

Maharashtra urban development department (UDD) in its affidavit before Adarsh commission has admitted for the first time that a decision taken by the Vilasrao Deshmukh government to clear the controversial Adarsh tower was not correct.

HT Image

In an affidavit before the two-member Adarsh commission the UDD said “proper procedure’’ was not followed in deleting reservation of a Brihanmumbai electric supply and transport (BEST) depot plot and converting it for residential purpose for the benefit of the tower in Colaba.

The affidavit is likely to spell trouble for union rural development minister Vilasrao Deshmukh, who was the chief minister and minister of the UDD when this decision was taken.

The notification was carried out under the Maharashtra Regional Town Planning Act (MRTP) on March 3, 2006.

The affidavit says this decision was based on a letter from BEST, wrongfully treated as a request to delete the plot by the UDD.

Under Section 37, state would have had to seek suggestions, objections from public (including Armed forces in this case) before deleting the reservation.

Former UDD secretary Ramanand Tiwari in his affidavit has mentioned that the notification was issued after the CM’s approval. “Whatever I have to say will be said through my affidavit before the commission on June 9,” said Deshmukh.