The Bombay High Court suggested Vinita Kamte, wife of IPS officer Ashok Kamte who died in the 26/11 terror attack case, to file a separate application before it if she wants a judicial inquiry to be initiated against former Police Commissioner Rakesh Maria in connection with alleged discrepancies in the 26/11 call records.
The suggestion was made by Justices V M Kanade and M S Karnik earlier this week while hearing a petition filed by Maharashtra government challenging a July, 2014 order passed by the state Chief Information Commissioner (CIC).
The CIC had ordered the state government to initiate an inquiry headed by a sitting or retired judge under Commission of Enquiry Act as to why “misleading” information was provided to Vinita Kamte, wife of the slain IPS officer, by Rakesh Maria.
Vinita had under RTI sought call logs of wireless conversations between the control room and Kamtes van in which he was killed along with state ATS chief Hemant Karkare and encounter specialist Vijay Salaskar.
She had alleged the details were first denied to her. However, when information was provided in November, 2009 and February, 2010, there were “serious discrepancies”.
Vinita then approached the CIC seeking a direction to the police and Maria to provide all details.
When they failed to do so despite repeated directions, CIC ordered inquiry.
Following this, the government approached HC seeking to quash the CIC order. According to the government, CIC does not have the authority to direct government to initiate an inquiry.
The high court had on April 16, after hearing Vinitas lawyer V A Thorat, said if she (Vinita) wants the high court to order an inquiry then she can file a separate application which will be heard and decided on merits.
The bench posted the governments petition for hearing on April 29.
( Source – PTI )
The entire issue is fully known to the Hon
ble Bombay HC. A separate application is bound to entail delay, especially when the Honble HC is fully aware of what is being requested by the applicant. Perhaps, the purpose can be well served if a decision is given without further delays.