HC rejects PIL for CBI probe into UP CM's multi-crore garland

LUCKNOW: The Lucknow Bench of Allahabad High Court on Monday dismissed a PIL seeking CBI probe into alleged expenses of about Rs 200 crore, including currency note garland of Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Mayawati, during BSP recent 'maharally' in the city.

The PIL, filed by three local lawyers on March 18, was dismissed by a Division Bench comprising acting Chief Justice of the Allahabad High Court justice Amitava Lala and justice Anil Kumar after hearing both the parties.

It was alleged in the PIL that approximately Rs 175 crore of public money was spent in the 'maharally' and another Rs 25 crore on the garland presented to Mayawati.

The BSP supremo came under sharp attack over the garland issue which created a storm inside and outside Parliament. Mayawati was felicitated with a garland made of 1000-rupee notes at a massive rally on the occasion of BSP's foundation day on March 15.

The IT department is probing the source of money for the garland presented to the chief minister.