HC reserves order on Gote's plea in fake stamp paper case

Mumbai, Apr 18 (UNI) The Bombay High Court today reserved its order till tomorrow on a plea moved by former Maharashtra MLA and multi-crore fake stamp paper scam prime accused Anil Gote, challenging the application of (MCOCA) against him.

Before a division bench comprising Justices B H Marlapalle and Dilip Bhosle, Gote, who appeared party in person and argued his case in Marathi, told the court that the provision of the stringent Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA) was wrongly applied against him and his case does not fall within its purview. Hence, the court should direct to quash and set aside the proceedings against him.

He also denied the charges levelled against him and alleged that the entire prosecution case was ''baseless'' and lodged at the instance of his political rivals to tarnish his image in the eyes of public.

While opposing the plea, Special Public Prosecutor Raja Thackeray argued that the action against the accused was justified and prosecution has completed all the mandatory provisions before taking action against him under the Act.

Gote, who is presently lodged in Yerwada jail at Pune, was brought to the High Court amid heavy police protection.

UNI XR-GK VD RS1922