Contempt petition filed against Narendra Modi, council of ministers

AHMEDABAD: A contempt of court petition was today filed against Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi and the council of ministers for rejecting sanction to prosecute cabinet minister Purshottam Solanki in an alleged Rs 400 crore fishing contract scam without taking Governor's approval as directed by the court.

The high court had directed the state government in its March 30 order to decide the application seeking sanction to prosecute Solanki under section 19 of the Prevention of Corruption Act 1988, stating that governor would be the competent authority to take a final decision with aide and advice of the council.

However, "by-passing" Governor Dr Kamla, the council of minister's, including the chief minister, struck down the application for sanction on June 29, said Rajesh Mankad who is representing the petitioner Ishaq Maradia.

The letter conveying decision of the council of ministers refusing the permission was earlier received by Mankad.

Maradia had alleged that Solanki by granting fishing contracts in 2009 without any tendering process caused loss to the tune of Rs 400 crore to state exchequer. He also demanded filing of an FIR against the minister under the Prevention of Corruption Act.

When on October 20, 2010 his request was declined by the order of Deputy Secretary, Agriculture and Co-operation Department, Maradia moved the high court contending that Deputy Secretary was not the appropriate authority to decide.

On March 30, Justice Harsha Devani, while setting aside the deputy secretary's order, directed the government that the matter be decided by the council of ministers within three months with governor's approval.

"As per high court's directions, the decision should have the seal of approval from the Office of Governor. However, the council of ministers has denied sanction without approval of the governor. As this amounts to clear violation of high court's order, we have filed a contempt petition," Mankad said.