BJP's Kirit Somaiya moves Bombay High Court alleging CM Uddhav Thackeray failed to disclose property in Alibag, made illegal constructions

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Kirit Somaiya has filed a public interest litigation (PIL) petition before the Bombay High Court seeking a court monitored investigation by the authorities into a property owned by Chief Minister (CM) Uddhav Thackeray’s wife at Alibag in coastal Maharashtra [Kirit Jayantilal Somaiya v Uddhav Thackeray]..Somaiya claimed that the court’s intervention is required to determine the true nature of illegalities and irregularities committed on a property in Alibag. The plea was moved against CM Thackeray, his wife Rashmi Thackeray, Member of Legislative Assembly (MLA) Ravindra Waikar and his wife Manisha Waikar..It was stated that the property tax receipts established the existence of a structure which was deliberately suppressed by the CM and Waikar when submitting their affidavit before elections in terms of the Representation of Peoples Act.“Since the fact of these structures are now well established and supported by public documents, it was mandatory, for respondent no.s 1 and 4 to disclose the same in their affidavits… Not having done so constitutes an electoral offence and corrupt practice, in terms of which, this on Hon’ble Court ought to disqualify respondents no.s 1 and 4,” the plea said. .Further, it was submitted that the permanent structure on the property was constructed illegally without obtaining required sanctions and authorisations.Since the property is situated within 100 meters of the coastline, the construction on it was done in contravention of the Coastal Regulatory Zone Rules."Even otherwise, no environmental and/ or forest clearance appears to be taken by respondents prior to carrying out any construction even though the subject property falls within the area of reserved forests," the petition stated..Somaiya also said that he had written to State and local authorities demanding action but no steps were taken by the authorities to prosecute on his complaint since the respondents were sitting members of Maharashtra’s legislative assembly.He further stated that the conduct of the State and local authorities was violative of the his rights under Articles 14, 19 and 21 of the Constitution.“Left with no other recourse, the petitioner is constrained to approach this Hon’ble Court demanding the justice which has been denied", he stated. .Somaiya, therefore, sought independent government authorities to carry out an investigation into the property and submit their reports to Court.