Bombay HC issues notice to Pankaja Munde, others over plea against Jalna district planning committee

The notices were issued while hearing a writ petition filed by local activist Bhausaheb Gore. Representational Pic/File

The Bombay High Court has issued notices to Pankaja Munde and several government officials in connection with a petition challenging the legality of the Jalna District Planning Committee in Jalna, Maharashtra, reported the PTI.

Pankaja Munde currently serves as the guardian minister of the district.

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The notices were issued while hearing a writ petition filed by local activist Bhausaheb Gore.

A division bench of the Aurangabad bench of the Bombay High Court, comprising Justice Vibha Kankanwadi and Justice Hiten Venegavkar, issued the notices on March 4, as per the PTI.

The petition claims that the committee was constituted in violation of legal provisions and that funds are allegedly being allocated in a manner not consistent with their intended purpose, according to the PTI.

Petitioner raises concerns over committee formation

According to the petitioner's counsel, Gore had earlier been appointed as a special invitee member of the committee under a Government Resolution dated August 22, 2024.

However, his tenure has since ended and he is no longer associated with the body.

The petition states that Gore recently learned that the committee may not have been formed in accordance with the law, which prompted him to approach the court, the news agency reported.

Court to examine legality of committee

During the hearing, the bench noted that it had reviewed the Government Resolution dated August 22, 2024.

However, the court clarified that at this preliminary stage it would not comment on any actions or decisions already taken by the existing committee, as per the PTI.

The Bombay HC judges said that the court would examine whether the committee's composition complies with the relevant legal provisions, reported the PTI.

Replies sought from respondents

The Bombay High Court issued notices not only to Pankaja Munde but also to the secretary of the state rural development department, the divisional commissioner, the district collector and other officials, the news agency reported.

All respondents have been directed to file their replies by March 27 and provide copies to the other side in advance.

The matter has been scheduled for the next hearing on April 1, according to the PTI.

(with PTI inputs)