Nagpur: A group of over 800 lawyers from Maharashtra has submitted a formal complaint to the Election Commission of India (ECI) concerning a statement made by Vijay Wadettiwar, the Leader of Opposition in the Maharashtra State Assembly. The statement in question accused BJP candidate Adv. Ujjwal Nikam of “deliberately suppressing” information about the killing of IPS officer Hemant Karkare during the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks.
Wadettiwar’s comments, made in the context of the ongoing campaign for the Mumbai North-Central seat in the Lok Sabha elections, implied that Karkare was killed by an RSS-affiliated police officer rather than by Ajmal Kasab, the convicted Pakistani terrorist. He later clarified that his remarks were based on allegations from a book by former senior police officer S M Mushrif.
Among the signatories of the complaint is Adv. Motisingh Mohta, a current member and former Chairman of the Bar Council of Maharashtra and Goa. Mohta emphasized that the complaint was made in their personal capacities and not as representatives of the Bar Council.
“We have written this letter in our personal capacities, and not as members of the Bar Council. As an advocate, I strongly feel that Vijay Wadettiwar should not have made such an irresponsible statement considering the constitutional post he holds,” Mohta stated.
Mohta criticized Wadettiwar’s justification of quoting from Mushrif’s book, arguing that public figures must verify information before making such serious statements. “If I make a false statement while giving an interview to the media, is it not my responsibility to verify it? Similarly, if there is something written in a book, which is against what has been proven in the court, then such a statement must not be made publicly,” he added.
The complaint to the ECI is the initial step the group has taken in addressing the issue, indicating potential further actions depending on the ECI’s response. “Before approaching any other body, the first complaint must go to the ECI because the statement was made during campaigning. We will see what next is to be done,” Mohta said.
The lawyers’ complaint underscores the sensitivity and responsibility expected from public office holders, especially during election campaigns, and aims to uphold the integrity of the legal profession.
