Former journalist Ketan Tirodkar,who had filed a petition challenging the de-reservation of a plot of land in the Bandra-Kurla Complex (BKC) for residential societies for judges,told the Bombay High Court on Friday that he does not wish to prosecute the Siddhant Housing Society for judges and proceed only against Nyay Sagar Society. Tirodkar said a government resolution (GR) was issued on June 22,2004 allotting the land to the Nyay Sagar Society and asking them to de-reserve the plot of land which was allegedly earmarked for housing the dis-housed. Tirodkar said the land on which the Siddhant Society stands,on the other hand,was allocated under a separate government resolution issued in 2005,which was brought to his notice later,for either a court or quarters for judges or court employees. Tirodkar added there were no members from backward classes in the Nyay Sagar Society while 20 per cent of the members of Siddhant were from the backward classes. He,therefore,said he does not want to press any allegations against Siddhant Housing Society. Another PIL filed by activist Nitin Deshpande stated that the government land ad measuring 1400 sq m and 1500 sq m for Rs. 21,500/- and Rs. 30,300/- was allotted for Nyay Sagar and Siddhant Societies respectively,when the market price for the area is several times higher. Tir0dkars lawyer R V Bhasin,however,sought the courts permission to move the Supreme Court and urge it to assign the case to another High Court as it involves sitting judges of the court. Chief Justice Mohit Shah and Justice R V More granted the petitioners to move the Supreme Court and adjourned the case till January 20.
