Adarsh Society Scam: No extension to MoEF notice would mean demolition of Adarsh, says CM

MUMBAI: Maharashtra Chief Minister Prithviraj Chavan today said pulling down the Adarsh Society building was the only option before the state government if the High Court does not give an extension on April 13, to the demolition notice by the Union Environment Ministry.

Chavan told the Legislative Assembly during the Question Hour that the three-month notice given to the Society by the Ministry of Environment and Forest (MoEF) ends on April 14.

The scam-hit Society, in posh Colaba area had challenged the notice in the High Court, the hearing for which is scheduled on April 13.

"If the Court does not give an extension to the notice, the state government will go ahead with it (demolition)," the Chief Minister said.

Chavan rejected the demand for suspension of bureaucrats whose names have figured in the housing scam.

"Action cannot be taken against them until their guilt is proved. Till investigations are completed, it is not correct to cast aspersions on anybody," Chavan said and assured that the serving officers cannot interfere in the probe process.

He said 21 bureaucrats including 14 IAS officers have been found prima facie guilty. Some of them like Uttam Khobragade have sought voluntary retirement, but the government has rejected the request.

He also informed that some officers on central government deputation have applied for coming back to the state.

Chavan said the two-member inquiry Commission has been granted extension till July 7 and all assistance would be provided to it for speedy completion of the probe.

The Commission has been provided office space and the required staff and it will commence its hearing soon.

He said the 2002-03 notings of files related to the Adarsh case are missing and some letters are not available in the files. CBI is investigating the case.