Bombay High Court Disposes Of PIL Seeking Criminal Investigation Against CM Shinde, Dy CM Fadnavis For Heatwave Deaths At Kharghar

The Bombay High Court on Wednesday disposed of a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) seeking CBI investigation into Maharashtra CM Eknath Shinde and Deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis for deaths of 14 people allegedly due to heatstroke and stampede during the Maharashtra Bhushan Award ceremony held at Navi Mumbai’s Kharghar on April 16.

A division bench of Acting Chief Justice Nitin Jamdar and Justice Arif S Doctor disposed of the PIL after Advocate General Birendra Saraf informed the court that the concerned Investigating Agency had already initiated an investigation into the matter.

“The learned Advocate General has placed before us the report received from the concerned Investigating Agency and states that the statements of witnesses are being recorded and the investigation is at an advanced stage. That being the position, we do not find any warrant to issue any direction in respect of the prayers sought as the investigation is already in progress and is at an advanced stage”, the court said.

The PIL sought criminal action for culpable homicide and attempt to murder against CM Shinde, Deputy CM Fadnavis and 10 others who were present at the event.

The PIL claimed the event was a “waste of public money” and apart from Shinde and Fadnavis, awardee Appasaheb Dharmadhikari, a social activist and reformer, should also be held responsible for the tragedy and should return the award.

The PIL also sought a direction to the Director General of Police (DGP) to take criminal action against the subordinates who failed to take steps against the errant officials. The PIL also sought compensation of Rs 50 lakh to the kin of the deceased and Rs 5 lakh to those injured.

Case no. – Public Interest Litigation (St) No. 8183 of 2023

Case Title – Shaila Jitendra Kanthe v. Chief Minister of State of Maharashtra & Ors.

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