Maha HC excuses buildings from RTI queries; a nests neta-builder nexus

, Nov 21:In a rather bizarre ruling by the Maharashtra

, all public, semi-private and private buildings have been kept out of the

radar.

While some may read it as a good sign for the Mumbai Campa Cola residents, there it is too soon to decide whether the ruling is meant for common man. Interestingly, some of the highrises that adorn the skyline of the city play home to the who-is-who within the political circuit and due care has been taken to include them in the High Court wish list.

Surprised at the sudden change of policies, the RTI activists react vehemently, stating that this was moved to secure the politician-builders nexus in the city and that Ratnakar Gaekwad was behind the scene, dictating norms.

Incidentally, the move by the HC came just days after the demolition attempt of the Campa Cola compound in Worli by the BMC. It was alleged that the builders of the copund had flouted the municipality norms and had to face demolition. While the builders maintained a safe distance from the scene, the families putting up at the illegal floors were victims to the nexus, their pleads unheard.

The question that remains now is whether there would be any 11th hour interference by the Supreme Court, in favour of RTI, or does Mumbai take the move with its head held low.