Long legal battle ahead for Eknath Khadse

Mumbai: Although the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) has given a clean chit to former revenue minister, Eknath Khadse, he may still face a long legal battle ahead as the original complainant, Hemant Gavande, has decided to challenge the closure report in the Pune Anti-Corruption Bureau court and the Bombay high court.

Social activist Anjali Damania will also join Mr Gavande in the legal battle. Mr Khadse’s re-entry in the cabinet will not be possible till he gets a nod from the court, sources said.

After remaining out of power for nearly two years, Mr Khadse got a clean chit from the Anti-Corruption Bureau which has filed the closure report before the Pune special court. Mr Gavande, social activist and Pune-based builder, is the original complainant before the Anti-Corruption Bureau and the Bombay high court, and has decided to oppose the Anti-Corruption Bureau in the Pune court. Mr Gavande told The Asian Age, “I will request the special court to take criminal action against Mr Khadse. If required, I will approach the Bombay high court again for it.”

Mr Gavande on Wednesday filed an application before the Pune court for documents of the closure report. When the matter comes up for hearing, Mr Gavande will oppose it. Ms Damania, who has submitted many documents to the Anti-Corruption Bureau against Mr Khadse, said that she has sought legal advice and will approach the high court after the Pune court decision.

Both Mr Gavande and Ms Damania have further demanded that the chief minister declare the report of the judicial probe conducted by Retd. Justice Dinkar Zoting, which points out some irregularities committed by Mr Khadse.

All in all, Mr Khadse is still looking at a long legal battle and chief minister Devendra Fadnavis is unwilling to take him back till he gets clearance from the court in this matter, said Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) sources.