Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) MLAs raise slogans during a protest against the state government on the second day of the Winter Session of Maharashtra Assembly, in Nagpur. (PTI Photo/File)
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Opposition parties in Maharashtra Tuesday demanded the resignation of state Chief Minister Eknath Shinde for “obstructing judicial process” by allowing the regularisation of a plot that was under litigation. The Opposition also said that the plot was regularised for 2 crore, instead of the Rs 83 crore charge it should have attracted.
The CM has denied any wrongdoing, saying he was not aware of the Bombay High Court orders regarding the plot when he passed the order.
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In 2020, an application came to then Urban Development Department minister, Eknath Shinde, to regularise a layout of 16 plots, spread over 4.5 acres, of the Nagpur Improvement Trust (NIT). This land was being used for a slum redevelopment scheme.
In 2007, 34 other such layouts had been regularised under the Maharashtra Gunthewari Act. The applicant approached Shinde with the demand to not charge them as per the ready reckoner rate but by the rate of 2007, under the principle of equal justice. Shinde signed the order to apply the 2007 charges on April 20, 2021, and the plots were regularised for Rs 2 crore.
Meanwhile, in 2004, the CAG report had pointed out irregularities in plot distribution under the NIT, based on which a writ petition was filed at the Nagpur bench of the Bombay High Court. The HC in 2016 had appointed the Gilani committee to look into the NIT land-related matters, and appointed Anand Parchure as amicus curiae.
On August 5, 2020, the NIT conveyed to the state government to not take any decision to regularise the plots.
After news stories related to Shinde’s decision appeared in the media, Parchure on December 14, 2022, apprised the court of this. Parchure said if the news items are true, there is a possibility of the state government having interfered in the administration of justice by the court, as the issue was pending before the court. The court ordered status quo if any order of regularisation had been passed.
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Once the court’s orders came, the issue was picked up by political parties, and on Tuesday, was raised in both the Legislative Assembly and the Council.
What has Shinde said?
Shinde has said he did not violate the court order, but instead acted in the spirit of equal justice to all.
“When the applicant came to me in April 2020, he said he was first asked to pay as per the Gunthewari Act and later as per the ready reckoner. My order only stated that he be charged as per the 2007 order. I did not recommend any reduction of charges,” said Shinde.
The chief minister claimed that he came to know about the Gilani committee and its directions only when the NIT informed his office about the December 14 HC order.
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“I was not made aware about the Gilani committee either by the NIT or the applicant. After coming to know about this, I passed an order saying the observations of the Gilani committee were brought to my attention after the December 14 court order. Considering this, the 2021 directions have been cancelled,” said Shinde.
What has the Opposition said?
The Opposition has claimed that it was impossible that the CM was not aware about the sub judice matter, and has alleged that the decision was taken to benefit builders. Demanding his resignation, the Opposition has alleged that Shinde as urban development minister interfered in judicial processes.
Alok Deshpande is a Special Correspondent with The Indian Express' Mumbai bureau, recognized for his focused and authoritative reporting on governance, politics, and the socio-economic dynamics of Maharashtra's hinterlands. His unique academic background in Geology and early work in the water sector provides a specialized layer of Expertise to his reporting on resource and environmental issues.
Expertise
Current Role: Special Correspondent, The Indian Express, Mumbai.
Core Authority: Alok provides detailed coverage of Maharashtra politics and governance, with a particular emphasis on how policies and power struggles affect the rural and semi-urban areas (the 'hinterlands').
Key Coverage Areas: His reports frequently focus on high-stakes administrative and political topics, including:
State Assembly Proceedings: In-depth reporting on the Legislative Assembly, covering ministerial statements, legislative debates, and inter-party conflict within the ruling Mahayuti alliance.
Policy & Finance: Coverage of state finances, including supplementary budget demands, fiscal deficits, and major government schemes (e.g., Jal Jeevan Mission, Ladki Bahin Yojana).
Rural and Social Issues: Reports on critical health issues (e.g., child deaths in districts), human-animal conflict (leopard attacks, stray dogs), and agrarian concerns (e.g., farmer suicides).
Local and Urban Governance: Covers major announcements regarding urban development (e.g., BMC's OC amnesty scheme, pagdi system push) and local body elections, including political defections and alliance splits.
Unique Credentials & Trustworthiness
Academic Specialization: Holds a Post-graduate degree in Geology. This background gives him a foundational understanding of natural resources, which directly informs his reporting on environment, water, and infrastructure projects.
Early Professional Experience: His shift to journalism came after working with an NGO focused on the water sector. This practical experience strengthens his Expertise in critical areas like water management and rural development, as evidenced by his reporting on the Jal Jeevan Mission.
Journalism Training: An alumnus of the prestigious Asian College of Journalism (ACJ), Chennai, confirming his formal training and commitment to rigorous journalistic standards.
Alok Deshpande's rare combination of scientific education, non-profit sector experience, and deep political reporting makes him a highly trusted and authoritative voice on the governance and ground realities of Maharashtra.
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