Allahabad:
Yet another setback for Mayawati as the Lucknow bench of the Allahabad High Court has issued notices to her and her minister Naseemuddin Siddqui on a PIL seeking reopening of the Taj Corridor case.
The court said there is a prima facie case, and it needs to be examined. The matter will to come up for hearing in November.
In September 2003, the apex court had directed the CBI to investigate the Taj Corridor case, in which Mayawati allegedly faced charges of cheating and forgery.
Later, the CBI filed an FIR against Mayawati under Section 13(2) of the Prevention of Corruption Act and sought the permission of the then Governor T V Rajeswar to prosecute her. But in June 2007, the Governor had rejected the CBI's request.
The Taj Corridor project was aimed at upgrading tourist facilities near the Taj Mahal. The total estimated cost of the project was Rs. 175 crore. It has been alleged that Mayawati embezzled the money dedicated for this project.