Maharashtra Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari. , Photo Credit: PTI
The Bombay High Court on Thursday asked a local activist how his petition seeking impeachment of Maharashtra Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari could be a public interest litigation (PIL).
A division bench of Chief Justice Dipankar Datta and Justice Abhay Ahuja was hearing a PIL filed by Deepak Jadagdev from Mumbai, seeking the court to prosecute Koshyari for statements against Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and social reformers Savitribai Phule and Jyotiba Phule. Instructions were sought from
The plea states that the Governor is taking advantage of his constitutional position and therefore he should be impeached under Article 61 (Procedure for impeachment of the President) of the Constitution of India. The PIL also mentions that the derogatory remarks of Mr. Koshyari have led to a riot-like situation in Maharashtra as it has hurt the religious sentiments of the people.
Advocate Nitin Satpute, appearing for Mr. Jagdev, also urged the court to issue a direction to a constitution bench to restrain Mr. Koshyari from making any comments on historical figures in future.
The bench remarked, “How is this a PIL? And can we stay? And said it would decide when to post the matter for hearing.”