Sitaram Mhetre seeks time to file reply against HC contempt notice

Mumbai, Mar 17 (UNI) Maharashtra Minister of State for Home Siddhram Mhetre today sought time till March 27 to file a reply in response to a contempt notice issued against him and others for allegedly disobeying the Bombay High Court directive to shift a school in his constituency at Korsegaon Village in Solapur.

Justice S R Sathe granted time when Advocate S C Halli, who appeared on behalf of the minister, sought permission from Court to file a reply.

Earlier Justice A M Khanwilkar of the High Court had issued contempt notice against Mhetre and others on a petition filed by president of Dnyansagar Shikshan Prasarak Mandal and Bahuudeshiya Sanstha.

Petitioner's counsel S G Kudle submitted that despite the Court's order to relocate the school on November 18, 2005, it was not followed and the Education officer was asked to take steps to close down the unauthorised school. The petitioner was told that the officer was seeking advice from the Deputy Director of Education as to whether action should be taken following the court's order.

According to the petitioner, Mhetre and others had deliberately flouted the High Court order and should be dealt with as liable under Contempt of Courts Act.

UNI XR ARM MA RN2244