Nagpur: Senior BJP leader and former Revenue Minister Eknath Khadse on Saturday concluded his arguments before the Dinkar Zoting Commission which is probing the land grab allegations against him.
Appearing on behalf of Khadse, senior counsel M G Bhangde submitted that since no time extension is given to the Commission therefore it has become “Functus Officio” i.e. ‘powerless’. It was further argued that MIDC has no concern and right to participate before the Commission. Adv Bhangde further said that since no compensation was given to Ukani and acquisition procedure was incomplete, he had every right to sell the property. “No loss is caused to Government or no gain earned by Khadse”, the lawyer stressed.
During arguments, many court decisions were filed by him in support of his contention.
While arguing on behalf of MIDC, Adv Chandrashekhar Jaltare submitted that the Commission has not become powerless and in absence of specific orders there is “Deemed Extension.” It was further pointed out that the Commission is a Fact Finding Commission and the provisions of Indian Evidence Act are not strictly applicable. The arguments could not be completed today and would be continued on May 2, 2017.
Khadse resigned in the wake of the controversy last year. The one-man Commission was appointed on June 23 last year by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis following allegations by the Opposition that a plot of land of MIDC located at Bhosri near Pune was transferred in the name of Khadse’s wife in a case of conflict of interest by Khadse who was heading Revenue portfolio then.
The Zoting Commission may submit its report three weeks after the process of recording of evidence and hearing of arguments is completed. The Commission operates from Ravi Bhavan in Nagpur. Khadse had already denied the allegations of wrongdoing and claimed the said plot was never in possession of MIDC.
