Mumbai: In a scathing observation, the
Bombay High Court has observed in a recent judgement that the
state Industries Minister Narayan Rane "misused" his powers in
deciding a land dispute in favour of Essel Infraprojects.
Rane had decided, by order dated April 29, 1997, that
the Essesl's claim that it owns a tract of land in North
Mumbai was valid.
But setting aside this decision on July 18, division
bench of Justices PB Majmudar and RM Savant held that the
whole thing was "stage-managed" and hearing conducted by Rane
was "farce".
"Respondent number 2 (Rane) has misused his powers by
deciding the appeal in the manner in which it was decided,"
the court said.
Rane, in his capacity as Revenue Minister in
Shiv Sena-BJP government, heard in 1997 an appeal filed by
Essel with regard to marshy tract of land in Gorai, which was
worth over Rs 139 crore as per 1993 official estimate.
The land in question had been leased by the government
to one Shyamrao Velkar in 1896.
In 1944, the lease was terminated for breach of
conditions, and thereafter land remained in government's
possession. Fishermen in the area used it for fishing-related
activities.
Bureau Report
First Published: Sunday, July 26, 2009, 10:50