The Supreme Court on Tuesday refused to entertain a plea by Daman and Diu MP Umeshbhai Babubhai Patel, who sought a court-monitored SIT probe into alleged financial irregularities involving approximately ₹33 crore in the renovation, demolition, and restoration of the Union Territory’s secretariat building at Moti Daman.
A bench headed by Chief Justice B R Gavai along with Justice K Vinod Chandran asked Patel to instead approach the Bombay High Court with his petition.
During the hearing, Patel’s counsel informed the court that the MP was currently facing 52 First Information Reports and was also contesting an order passed by the Lokpal. The lawyer argued that these multiple cases stemmed from Patel raising concerns about corruption and financial mismanagement in the Union Territory’s administration.
“I am a Member of Parliament. There have been 52 FIRs against me. I am here also challenging the Lokpal order. All this has the same cause of action. All this is happening because I raised my voice,” the counsel submitted.
Responding to this, Chief Justice Gavai questioned, “Can the law be different for a Member of Parliament and for a common citizen?”
When the counsel emphasized that Patel was an elected representative acting on behalf of the people, the Chief Justice replied,
“That is okay. You can approach the jurisdictional high court.”
The bench further assured that the Bombay High Court would take up the matter expeditiously, possibly within a day of filing.
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