Mr Prakash Ganpat Sawant v. The Minister For Rural Development

NOB(i)-IA-7444-2024 Pdp

IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT BOMBAY

CIVIL APPELLATE JURISDICTION INTERIM APPLICATION NO. 7444 OF 2024 IN INTERIM APPLICATION NO. 2966 OF 2021 IN CONTEMPT PETITION NO. 475 OF 2015 IN PUBLIC INTEREST LITIGATION NO. 167 OF 2014 Mr. Prakash Ganpat Sawant .. Applicant

Versus

The Minister for Rural Development & Panchayat Raj & Ors.

.. Respondents Mr. Prakash Ganpat Sawant, applicant-in-person present. CORAM: DEVENDRA KUMAR UPADHYAYA, CJ. & AMIT BORKAR, J.

DATE:

20th JUNE, 2024 P.C.:

1.

Not on board. Upon mentioning, taken on board. 2.

This praecipe has been moved by the applicant, who appears in person, seeking circulation of Interim Application No. 7444 of 2024 filed in finally disposed of Public Interest Litigation bearing No. 167 of 2014.

3.

The PIL petition was disposed of with certain directions by a coordinate Bench of this Court way back on 6th January, 2015. Thereafter, Contempt Petition was moved, which too was dismissed on 25th November, 2019 with the observation

NOB(i)-IA-7444-2024 that the contempt petition cannot be pursued as if it is a substantive matter in which further and additional relief can be granted. After dismissal of said Contempt Petition No. 475 of 2015, the applicant again moved an Interim Application, namely, Interim Application No. 2966 of 2021. The Court, on the said Interim Application, passed an order on 24th January, 2022 by observing that since the contempt petition itself was defective and was not maintainable, no cognizance of the contempt petition can be taken and accordingly it was further observed that recall of the order dated 25th November, 2019 would not serve any fruitful purpose. The Interim Application No. 2966 of 2011 was dismissed.

4.

Now the applicant has again moved this Interim Application bearing No. 7444 of 2024. Prima facie, we are of the opinion that such an Interim Application, at this stage, would not be maintainable being barred by limitation as prescribed under Section 20 of the Contempt of Courts Act, 1971.

5.

At this juncture, we feel it appropriate requiring the applicant to seek legal assistance from the Legal Aid Services of this Court as he appears in person.

6.

Accordingly, we direct that Legal Aid Committee of this Court at Bombay shall provide the applicant a free legal aid by deputing some panel counsel.

(AMIT BORKAR, J.) (CHIEF JUSTICE) Digitally signed by PRAVIN DASHARATH PANDIT Date:

2024.06.20 15:58:03 +0530 PRAVIN DASHARATH PANDIT