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Synopsis

Former Mumbai Mayor Kishori Pednekar, aligned with the Uddhav Thackeray faction, has received temporary relief in the COVID-19 Body Bag Scam.

This relief came after the prosecution assured the single-judge bench of the Bombay High Court, presided over by Justice NJ Jamdar, that they would refrain from taking any action against Pednekar for the next two days.

Pednekar had approached the high court seeking anticipatory bail following the Sessions Court's rejection of her anticipatory bail plea in connection with the Covid-19 Body Bag Scam. 

Advocate Rahul Arote appearing for Pednekar said that the applicant is a mayor and is apprehending arrested. 

In response, the prosecutor said, "The investigating officer is here. We will make a statement that we will hold our hands for 2 days".  The prosecution sought two days to make submissions which was agreed by the court. 

Pednekar sought legal recourse after an FIR implicated her, along with IAS officer P Velrasu and the Deputy Municipal Commissioner. They were accused of procuring COVID-19 body bags at an exorbitant price.

Allegedly, the tender was awarded to Vedanta Innotech Pvt Ltd at a rate of Rs. 6719 per piece, despite another contract being granted to One Care Solution company for just Rs. 2583 per piece.

The Sessions Court in its order had recorded that "The funds in question prima facie appear to be government money i.e., public funds. She appears to be involved in economic offences of huge amount, which is public money. So, the allegations need to be viewed seriously and considered as grave offences affecting the economy of the country and also causing serious threat or loss to the financial health of the country" the court recorded.

Pednekar in her plea contended that the complainant Kirit Somaiya is a habitual complainant, and has a history of targeting politicians who do not owe allegiance to his party.

She further added that the complaint against her is tainted with mala fides, politically motivated, and made with an ulterior motive.

Additionally, she contended that the complaint has political overtures is evident from the fact that only after a split in the Shiv Sena Party, the complaint lodged against her who was then a Mayor, and is affiliated with the Uddhav Thackeray Faction.

Case title: Kishori Kishor Pednekar vs State of Maharashtra