New Delhi – The Supreme Court has declined to hear a plea filed by Daman and Diu Member of Parliament, Umeshbhai Babubhai Patel, which sought a court-monitored Special Investigation Team (SIT) probe. The plea concerned alleged financial irregularities totaling approximately ₹33 crore related to the renovation, demolition, and restoration of the Union Territory secretariat building in Moti Daman.
A bench, led by Chief Justice B R Gavai and including Justice K Vinod Chandran, directed the MP to present his case before the Bombay High Court.
During the proceedings, Patel’s counsel highlighted that the MP is currently facing 52 First Information Reports (FIRs) and is also challenging an order from the Lokpal. The counsel argued that these numerous cases are a consequence of the MP’s efforts to expose corruption and financial mismanagement within the Union Territory’s administration.
The lawyer stated, “I am a Member of Parliament. There have been 52 FIRs against me. I am here also challenging the Lokpal order. All this has the same cause of action. All this is happening because I raised my voice.”
In response, the Chief Justice queried, “Can the law be different for a Member of Parliament and for a common citizen?”
When the counsel emphasized Patel’s role as an elected representative acting on behalf of the public, Chief Justice Gavai remarked, “That is okay. You can approach the jurisdictional high court.”
The bench concluded by instructing Patel to file his plea in the Bombay High Court, noting that the court would aim to address the matter expeditiously, possibly soon after it is filed.
The original petition sought an independent investigation into the alleged financial discrepancies in the Moti Daman secretariat project, asserting that funds amounting to ₹33 crore were purportedly misused under the guise of renovation and restoration work.