India, March 4 -- NCP leader and former minister Dhananjay Munde has received a major reprieve, with Lokayukta VM Kanade declining to investigate complaints of alleged financial irregularities in the procurement of agricultural inputs and equipment supplies, and misuse of his official position during his stint as agriculture minister. The complaints had been filed by social activist Anjali Damania.

In his order dated February 18, the Lokayukta observed that the matter had already been dismissed by the Bombay High Court, whose ruling is binding, leaving no scope to reopen the case or order a fresh investigation.

The Lokayukta also refused to pursue the "office of profit' complaint against Munde, saying he has no jurisdiction to order an ...