Supreme Court refuses to intervene with Passenger Jetty project near Gateway of India
Noting that the Bombay High Court is to take up the issue on June 16, supreme court refused to intervene in the same;
The Supreme Court of India today refused to intervene in a petition filed by residents of Mumbai's Colaba challenging the Bombay High Court’s refusal to stay ongoing work for a passenger jetty near Gateway of India.
"Why this not in my backyard behaviour...everyone wants a sewage treatment plant but not behind their home..there is also a proposal to connect Vashi people with mainstream areas and to connect Dombivali etc on the sea route", CJI BR Gavai told the petitioners before court.
Senior Advocate Sanjay Hedge, appearing for the petitioners, submitted that the project aimed to create a private docking area for people taking ferries to Alibaug.
In response, ASG Aishwarya Bhati vehemently submitted, "It is incorrect..the AG has clarified that project is for daily commuters.., it was all over media reports...".
High Court through its order from May 7th had permitted the continuation of work at the project site. Observing that the project appeared to serve public interest, high court had declined interim relief to petitioners.
The project, located 280 metres from the Gateway, includes lounges, ticket counters, shops, offices, and parking for 150 vehicles. Petitioners have questioned legitimacy of multiple clearances, including Coastal Regulation Zone approval and NOCs from heritage and traffic authorities, citing lack of mandatory public consultation.
Case Title: DR. LAURA D SOUZA AND ORS. vs. THE STATE OF MAHARASHTRA AND ORS.