After SC blow, addl chief secy refuses to surrender

Sentenced to a month in prison for contempt of court by the Supreme Court, suspended additional chief secretary Ashok Khot today said he’s not ready to surrender immediately.

Sentenced to a month in prison for contempt of court by the Supreme Court, suspended additional chief secretary Ashok Khot today said he’s not ready to surrender immediately.

“I still have a legal remedy (sic) to get justice and have filed a petition before the authority. The petition can only be processed on Monday, May 15. I therefore request that I may be allowed to exhaust all legal options before coming to Mumbai,” Khot said in a letter to Chief Secretary DK Shankaran this evening.

Khot, presently in Delhi and consulting legal experts, also said: “I have the highest respect for the order of the Supreme Court and nobody is above the law.” He has faxed copies of the letter to the offices of CM Vilasrao Deshmukh and DGP P S Pasricha.

Story continues below this ad

Former transport minister Surupsinh Naik, who was also found guilty of contempt of court, surrendered to the police on Saturday. He is presently lodged in Thane Jail, serving his one-month prison term.

Sources in the government said Khot has been told several times to surrender. Today, officials discussed the possibility of sending a police team to Delhi to bring him back, or declare him an absconder.

Canada, UK and Australia formally recognise a Palestinian state

World11 hr ago

The UK, Canada, and Australia have recognized Palestine as a state, going against the US and Israel's opposition. British PM Starmer aims to revive peace without Hamas and hostage release. Canada and Australia also recognize Palestine, condemning terrorism. Over 145 UN members recognize Palestine, with France likely to join soon.

View all shorts

Live Blog