In the Bombay High Court, a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) has been brought against MLA Eknath Shinde and the other 38 Shiv Sena rebels for “neglecting” their official duties and requesting guidance from them in order to retake office. The PIL was filed by Utpal Baburao Chandawar and others, and it was presented before Justice MS Karnik and CJ Dipankar Datta of the division bench by attorney Asim Sarode.
The bench said it would take the PIL into consideration for listing. According to the Honorable Justice Dipankar Datta, “You step off the cliff.” We’ll find out. “
The PIL asserts that the ongoing political unrest in the State of Maharashtra is causing citizens’ public rights to be disregarded. It was filed through Advocate Ajinkya Udane.
“It is a public annoyance to the people as the Ministers in Maharashtra are neglecting their duties towards the people who have elected them. Instead of working for the community, these Respondents are aiming to secure personal gains by instigating internal disorder within the governance of the State.” The following are the petition’s prayers:
- Request that the Ministers who are currently on unpaid leave, including Respondent No. 1 (Shinde), return to the State and take up their positions.
- Kindly take appropriate action against Respondent No. 1 and, through him, other Ministers, for failing to perform their duties and for engaging in moral wrongdoing that disrespects the rights of the public and the rule of law.
- A thorough assurance plan that includes the governance procedure in the absence of any ministerial
The petitioner identifies as a supporter of Mahatma Gandhi’s philosophy. “In the current scenario, the entire governance is at stake because of the public nuisance situation created by Respondent No. 1 Eknath Shinde and other public nuisance enablers,” the petitioner claimed. And this isn’t being done for the benefit of the people, but rather for those people to gain the personal political power they desire.
The petition also claims that, according to newspaper reports, more than Rs. 3000 crore—or Rs. 50 crore—per MLA—is spent on the rebel MLAs through horse-trading.
Additionally, it states that “Now is a crucial time for farmers.” The Agricultural Department is tasked with, among other things, addressing their emerging issues, and providing them with timely fertilisers and seeds.
In the PIL, only Eknath Shinde has been listed as a respondent (not other MLAs). NCP, Congress, and Shiv Sena, three political parties, have all been counted as respondents.