Court dismisses PIL on Rane’s 26/11 remarks

The division bench of Justices Ranjana Desai and V K Tahilramani dismissed the PIL filed by Solapur-based Purushottam Barde seeking probe into Narayan Rane’s statement that some state politicians had given assistance to terrorists prior to the November 26,2008,attacks. The PIL was dismissed after the state government said there is no substance in the allegations.

An affidavit filed by Rane had stated that he was merely referring to the 1993 report of Vohra Committee,which had been set up to investigate the nexus between politicians and the mafia,in the wake of the Mumbai serial blasts.

Different benches of the court had earlier sought to know what steps the government had taken following the report. The Supreme Court had in 1997 held that the matters brought out by the Vohra report needs to be addressed by a body which can function with the highest degree of independence,being completely free from any influence or pressure. The SC had also said that if need be,the body can even set up a special court to try such cases.

However,when the Bombay High Court sought a reply from the union government regarding steps taken in this regard,no answer was forthcoming. The court observed that it is unfortunate that the union government has not informed the court about the steps taken because of some lack of communication between the departments concerned.

Stating the court hoped the union government has taken necessary steps,the bench observed that,“if there is any laxity in that behalf,the the Union government should expedite action and ensure that there is total compliance with the directions given by the SC”. The judges also observed that they will not delve into the matter much since it is not a subject matter of the petition.