MANUBHAI PARAGJI VASHI Vs. STATE OF MAHARASHTRA

JUDGEMENT

(1.) This petition purporting to be in the public interest seeks various directions to the State of Maharashtra - being the 1st respondent to make disclosures and launch actions for recovery of dues and eviction against respondents 2 to 10 and others similarly situated.

(2.) The Gujrati daily Janmabhoomi in its issue dated 1 July, 1988 had an item drawing attention to the outstandings of occupation dues from ex-and the-then-ministers of the State Government. Exh. A is claimed to be an English rendition of the same. Stirred by the same, petitioner addresses a latter to the Chief Secretary to the Government to ascertain in the true position. There was no response to the said letter advocate hence this petition.

(3.) The press report aforementioned reveals huge outstandings from respondent 2 to 7 who are in the present Ministry and respondent 8 an ex-minister. Respondents 9 and 10 are Ex-chief Ministers but still in occupation of spacious Government bungalows. Because of this improper and impermissible continuance, a number of new ministers are without official accommodation. The State Government has allowed this shocking state of affairs to continue. In fact it wants to write off the arrears. This would be a gross abuse of power made obscene by recourse to coercive measures foe recovery of trifling sums from the humblest of citizens. The first respondent be caked upon to---