Contempt petition alleging non-compliance of a 2019 PIL direction regarding tribal development works under Thakkar Bagga Yojana in Palghar, where a social audit found large-scale misappropriation. An adjournment prayer was declined and the Court held that contempt does not lie merely because 'someone' has committed contempt, dismissing the petition.
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12-CP.599.2024.doc
JVS.
IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT BOMBAY CIVIL APPELLATE JURISDICTION
Digitally signed by JAYANTVISHWANATH JAYANTVISHWANATHSALUNKE SALUNKE Date: 2026.02.25 20:37:05 +0530
CONTEMPT PETITION NO. 599 OF 2024 IN
PUBLIC INTEREST LITIGATION NO. 171 OF 2018
Munir S/o. Kadar Shaikh } Petitioner Versus Nitin Karin & Ors. } Respondent
Mr. Sachin Bansode i/b. Mr. Prasad Rokde, Advocates for the Petitioner.
Ms. Neha S. Bhide, Government Pleader with Mr. O. A. Chandurkar, additional Government Pleader and Ms. G. R. Raghuwanshi, AGP for State.
CORAM: SHREE CHANDRASHEKHAR, CJ. & GAUTAM A. ANKHAD, J.
DATE: 17th FEBRUARY 2026
P.C.:
A prayer for adjournment is made on behalf of the learned counsel for the petitioner.
1
12-CP.599.2024.doc
Thakkar Bagga Yojana, for the integrated development of tribal communities. As a part of this scheme, various works were executed in Palghar District through the integrated Tribal Development Project offices namely, Jawhar and Dahanu.
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12-CP.599.2024.doc
further stated that the total budget of the Thakkar Bagga Yojana in Palghar District was about Rs. 212.01 Crores, of which Rs. 30 Crores was spent in Vikramgad Taluka during 2012-2015. It was also found that a large portion of the works were sub-standard, several works were duplicated, and on the basis of the audit report and a complaint by Shri Sharad Yashwant Patil, the District Collector of Palghar reported that Rs. 26 Crores had been misappropriated in Vikramgad Taluka. As far as the other Talukas in Palghar District are concerned, no documents are available. The District Collector, Palghar also issued a letter to the Superintending Engineer, Public Works Department, Thane on 21/09/2018 thereby stating to submit the explanation as to what action is taken against the erring officers.
“ A] This Contempt Petition may kindly be allowed.
B] The respondent Nos. 1 to 11 may kindly be punished under the provisions of Contempt of the Courts Act, 1971 for willful disobedience of the order passed by this Hon’ble Court Dated 22/04/2021 in Public Interest Litigation No. 171 of 2018.
C] Pending hearing and final disposal of this Contempt Petition to direct the Principal Secretary of Tribal Development Department, Mumbai to recover misappropriated amount from the erring officers persons who have committed fraud and to take necessary action against them forthwith and submit the report.
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12-CP.599.2024.doc
D] Pending hearing and final disposal of this Contempt Petition the Principal Secretary of Tribal Development Department, Mumbai to initiate civil proceeding and register criminal F.I.R. against erring officers persons who have committed fraud and to take necessary action against them forthwith. ”
[GAUTAM A. ANKHAD, J.] [CHIEF JUSTICE]
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1 issue framed by the court
Whether a contempt petition lies for alleged non-compliance of an order passed in a PIL concerning tribal development works in Palghar District.
Munir S/o. Kadar Shaikh
Nitin Karin
Shree Chandrashekhar
Gautam A. Ankhad
As recorded by the court registry
3 orders share this CNR
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