In an affidavit filed before the Adarsh scam inquiry commission, suspended state Information commissioner Ramanand Tiwari has stated that de-reservation of the controversial Adarsh plot into 'residential' type from 'BEST depot' was approved by the then Chief Minister of Maharashtra Vilasrao Deshmukh in March 2006. Deshmukh was then holding Urban Development Department (UDD) portfolio while being the Chief Minister. In his affidavit, Tiwari states that the Brihanmumbai Electric Supply & Transport Undertaking (BEST) itself, in 2005 allowed the land to be used provided the approach road was left untouched. He claimed that Adarsh society's request to the Urban Development Department for use of land reserved for the BEST depot and its additional FSI was processed as per law and sent to Chief Minister Vilasrao Deshmukh, who finally approved it. Tiwari said, in February 2002 he took over as principal secretary/additional chief secretary (UDD) and retired in February 2008. He claimed that the file related to Adarsh society passed through his office in 2002, 2004, 2005 and 2006 and at all stages clearances were given according to law and no undue favour was shown. In his affidavit, Tiwari also states that no special favour was shown to get Adarsh society membership for his son. He said his son got membership in April 2009 after he relinquished office. Deshmukh, who has been summoned by the Commission to appear as witness, is yet to file his affidavit clarifying his stand.