State open to allotting only 1 flat to judges, bureaucrats

Mumbai: The state government has informed the Bombay high court that it is open to considering framing of a policy that will allot to a person, whether a bureaucrat or a judge, only one flat in the state under any government scheme.

A division bench of Justice B.R. Gavai and Justice Bharti Dangre was hearing a PIL filed by Ketan Tirodkar, who objected to the state government’s decision of giving Versova land for construction of a judges’ society. The court on Thursday had asked the state to clarify why more than one home had been allotted to judges, bureaucrats and high-ranking officers of the state.

On Friday, advocate general Ashutosh Kumbhakoni informed the court, “The government is open to considering a policy whereby one person will be allotted only one flat in the entire state at the same time.”

The AG further clarified that if the officer surrendered his or her flat, they could apply for another flat under a government scheme.

“It will not apply when the person sells the flat or transfers ownership of the flat to any family member. It will be applicable only when they surrender the flat to the government or the authority concerned,” AG Kumbhakoni said.

Justice Gavai appreciated the state government’s stand and said, “No government office, including HC office, should be used for personal profit. There should not be any misuse.”

“We understand one flat is required. Everyone is answerable to their family. Everyone cannot be Mahatma Gandhi,” he said.

Whether the individual is a judge or a bureaucrat, if he or she has already procured a flat under a government scheme, they cannot be entitled to another flat in the same city or any other city in the state, the court said.