Nagpur: Nagpur bench of Bombay High Court on Monday questioned bona fides of a petitioner alleging irregularities and corruption in tender process for Gorewada International Zoological Park, orally asking him to deposit 11 lakh before the court would consider the public interest litigation.A division bench comprising Justices Anil Kilor and Rajnish Vyas was hearing the PIL filed by Sunil Gautam. During Monday’s hearing, the court orally observed, “If you are filing a petition, first prove your bona fides.”The PIL is based on allegations concerning tenders issued for the Gorewada zoo. According to the petition, social activist Nilesh Mendhe had complained to Maharashtra Forest Development Corporation (FDCM) on Aug 12, 2025, alleging violations of Public Works Department rules, manipulation of the tender process and misuse of public funds.The petition states that a two-member inquiry committee was subsequently constituted and allegedly found irregularities and violations of rules in the tender process. The petitioner has claimed, however, that no concrete action was taken against the officials and project managers concerned.The petitioner alleges despite repeated complaints, a response issued on June 17, 2026, effectively exonerated the officials concerned. He has sought an independent inquiry, action against those found responsible and cancellation of tenders allegedly issued in violation of rules.During the hearing, the petitioner expressed inability to deposit 11 lakh. He sought time to inform the court how much he could afford to deposit. The court has scheduled the matter for further hearing on Aug 19.
