A Gujarat High Court judge, who was to hear a PIL alleging encroachment of land of Mahatma Gandhi Ashram by some influential people, has recused himself.
When the PIL came up for hearing before a division bench of justices Akil Kureshi and J B Pardiwala yesterday, Kureshi recused himself from the case saying, "Not before me."
The PIL, filed by city-based advocate Maulin Barot, alleged that an NGO Manav Sadhna Trust, which has among its founder members Gujarat Chief Minister Anandi Patel's daughter Anar Patel and her husband Jayesh Patel, has illegally encroached upon the land of the ashram.
"This is a matter of illegal encroachment as well as step by step disposal of lands and property of the Sabarmati Harijan Ashram Trust known as Gandhi Ashram, by some influential person and anti-social elements directly connected to political leaders of the state," the PIL alleged.
"They (Manav Sadhna Trust) are using the property for their own benefit or commercial bases. As the property of the Gandhi Ashram at a prime location is worth several crores, they are using the premises by going away from Gandhi's noble intention," the PIL said.
The petitioner also referred to an earlier high court order of September 11, 2007, which had directed the state's legal department to take effective steps about the illegal encroachment upon Gandhi Ashram.
"We expect that within a year from today, some effective steps will be taken by the government," the high court had said in connection with a suo motu petition.
