HC declines to grant status quo in Jinnah House matter

Mumbai, Sep 4 (UNI) The Bombay High Court today declined to grant status quo order, restraining the Union government from handing over the 'Jinnah House' for the proposed South Asian Cultural Center, persuant to Dina Wadia's petition, seeking ownership rights over her late father, Mohammad Ali Jinnah's palatial house in the Metropolis.

Dina, wife of the textile entreprenuer Neville Wadia and only daughter of the late Founder of Pakistan had moved the high court claiming right over the property, saying that emotional values were attached with the house and she wanted to spend her last days in the house.

Dina had moved the high court after several futile attempts at the government level and in the wake of reports that the historical bungalow was about to be handed over for South Asian Cultural Center.

Counsels appearing for her, today contended that the union government had made a statement last time that they would maintain status quo and sought to continue the orders. But, additional solicitor general Rajendra Raghuvanshi made it clear that only statement that was made was no ceremony was scheduled to take place on August 15 to hand over the Jinnah House for a South Asian Cultural Center, as apprehended by the petitioner.

The division bench comprising Chief Justice Swatanter Kumar and Justice D Y Chandrachud declined to grant status quo orders and gave time till October 4 to the Union government to file a reply affidavit.

A lawyer Firoz Ahamad Ansari has filed an intervention application, taking strong exception to Dina Wadia's claim, saying that she has renounced her Indian citizenship as late as 1960s and holds a British passport and is presently residing in the United States.

UNI