Imprisoned ex-DY CM Bhujbal allowed to cast vote in Prez polls on July 17

Mumbai: The special Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) court on Monday allowed former deputy chief minister of Maharashtra and Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader Chhagan Bhujbal to cast his vote on July 17 for the upcoming presidential election.

Bhujbal, who is currently in judicial custody in connection with alleged Maharashtra Sadan scam and Kalina land allotment case, had moved the application through his lawyer Shalabh Saxena, seeking permission to vote in the presidential election.

However, Enforcement Directorate’s (ED) special counsel Hiten Venegaonkar had opposed the application on the ground that the special PMLA court does not have jurisdiction to decide on the constitutional right of a person. He argued that PLMA court cannot issue the direction to the Election Commission to make any special provision for a prisoner and only the high court can pass such a direction.

However, the judge accepted arguments made by Bhujbal’s lawyer. He had argued that Bhujbal is still an MLA from Yeola constituency in district Nashik and his name was listed in the list of voters. He also said that it was not only a question of rights, but casting vote is Bhujbal’s constitutional duty.