MCGM paid Rs 105 crore to lawyers between 2001, 2014

Bs_logoImage
Press Trust of India Mumbai
Last Updated : Mar 07 2015 | 4:42 PM IST
The Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai paid a whopping Rs 105 crore to lawyers since 2001, according to information obtained under Right to Information Act.
A chunk of MCGM's litigation concerns encroachments and unauthorised constructions in the city.
RTI activist Anil Galgali had sought details of expenses incurred by the law department of MCGM on lawyers, and also a record of cases handled by them.
Deputy law officer (small causes court) said in reply that between 2001-2014, MCGM engaged 151 lawyers and paid them a total of Rs 1,05,06,84,690 in fees.
The largest amount was paid to K K Singhvi, a senior advocate: Rs 19,13,57,000.
Galgali had also sought information about the number of court cases handled by each lawyer, but it was denied citing lack of records.
Galgali has written to MCGM commissioner Sitaram Kunte, suggesting that MCGM should maintain a record of the cases handled by each lawyer. "This will also enable us to understand the performance of these lawyers," he has said.
Subscribe to Business Standard digital and get complimentary access to The New York Times

Smart Quarterly

₹900

3 Months

₹300/Month

SAVE 25%

Smart Essential

₹2,700

1 Year

₹225/Month

SAVE 46%

Super Saver

₹3,900

2 Years

₹162/Month

Subscribe

Renews automatically, cancel anytime

Here’s what’s included in our digital subscription plans

Access to Exclusive Premium Stories Online

  • Over 30 behind the paywall stories daily, handpicked by our editors for subscribers

Complimentary Access to The New York Times

  • News, Games, Cooking, Audio, Wirecutter & The Athletic

Business Standard Epaper

  • Digital replica of our daily newspaper — with options to read, save, and share

Curated Newsletters

  • Insights on markets, finance, politics, tech, and more delivered to your inbox

Market Analysis & Investment Insights

  • In-depth market analysis & insights with access to The Smart Investor

Archives

  • Repository of articles and publications dating back to 1997

Ad-free Reading

  • Uninterrupted reading experience with no advertisements

Seamless Access Across All Devices

  • Access Business Standard across devices — mobile, tablet, or PC, via web or app

More From This Section

First Published: Mar 07 2015 | 4:42 PM IST