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Bhide, in his plea, also stated that the FIR was politically motivated and that all requisite permissions for the erection of the hoarding were obtained by the company
The Bombay High Court has sought the response of the State Government in the petition filed by the director of the company that erected the hoarding in Ghatkopar, the collapse of which led to the death of 13 people, for quashing the FIR.
The division bench of the high court, comprising Justice Bharti Dangre and Justice Manjusha Deshpande, was hearing the petition filed by Bhavish Bhide, director of Ego Media Pvt Ltd.
An FIR was registered against Bhide for culpable homicide not amounting to murder. He has sought interim bail pending the disposal of his plea to quash the FIR.
During the hearing today, Bhide contended that the arrest procedure under Section 41A of the Code of Criminal Procedure was not followed. Bhide argued that the collapse was an act of God.
Bhide, in his plea, also stated that the FIR was politically motivated and that all requisite permissions for the erection of the hoarding were obtained by the company.
He further argued that the Indian Meteorological Department had failed to predict the severe dust storm of 96 km/h, which caused the hoarding collapse, and therefore the firm should not be held accountable for the incident.
Public Prosecutor Hiten Venegaonkar sought time from the bench to file a reply. The high court directed the state to file its reply by July 24 and listed the petition for hearing on July 26.
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