HC says no to ‘Make In India’ event at Chowpatty
The Bombay High Court refused to grant the Maharashtra government permission to hold a mega event at Girgaum Chowpatty that would kickstart the ‘Make in India Week’ programme in February. The state government had filed an application before the court on the directions of the committee that had been appointed by the court to monitor activities on the beach. The committee, which had been functioning since 2001, had submitted guidelines on what activities and functions can be permitted at Chowpatty in 2005.
On Thursday, Justices AS Oka and C V Bhadang ruled that permitting the government to hold such functions on the beach would be ‘faulty’ to the guidelines of the committee. In the application filed by deputy secretary V Loke, the state said it proposed to host a mega ‘Maharashtra Night’ on February 14 at Girgaum Chowpatty to showcase art, culture and industrial development. The event would end with a laser show and fireworks.
Advocate General Shreehari Aney said that the committee had made an earlier exception when they permitted the government to hold a function celebrating the 50th year anniversary of Maharashtra on the beach. “This ‘Make in India’ event is much more grand and important. At least three Prime Ministers of different countries are expected to attend along with several other VIPs and foreign delegates. The function will also be open to the public also,” Aney said.
Aney told the court that if it granted permission, the four hour event would be held on the evening of February 14. The government would begin construction of the stage, toilets, and other temporary structures from February 1. Two lakh square feet would used, with 500 to 600 chairs for VIPs and other guests. When the court asked why the function had to be held on the beach, Aney said it would be picturesque to hold such a function to showcase Mumbai, with the Marine Drive and the sea as a backdrop. He added that if the court refused permission, the government would look for some other space.
On Thursday, Justices AS Oka and C V Bhadang ruled that permitting the government to hold such functions on the beach would be ‘faulty’ to the guidelines of the committee. In the application filed by deputy secretary V Loke, the state said it proposed to host a mega ‘Maharashtra Night’ on February 14 at Girgaum Chowpatty to showcase art, culture and industrial development. The event would end with a laser show and fireworks.
Advocate General Shreehari Aney said that the committee had made an earlier exception when they permitted the government to hold a function celebrating the 50th year anniversary of Maharashtra on the beach. “This ‘Make in India’ event is much more grand and important. At least three Prime Ministers of different countries are expected to attend along with several other VIPs and foreign delegates. The function will also be open to the public also,” Aney said.
The bench refused to accept the state’s contention, saying that the Make In India programme could not be equated with the solemn function of celebrating the existence of Maharashtra, adding that the presence of VIPs and foreign delegates did not mean that guidelines accepted by the court had to be modified. “When the court accepted the committee’s guidelines in October 2005, the state government was a consenting party. Permitting such a function will completely defeat the purpose of the guidelines and the orders passed by this court,” the bench said.
Aney told the court that if it granted permission, the four hour event would be held on the evening of February 14. The government would begin construction of the stage, toilets, and other temporary structures from February 1. Two lakh square feet would used, with 500 to 600 chairs for VIPs and other guests. When the court asked why the function had to be held on the beach, Aney said it would be picturesque to hold such a function to showcase Mumbai, with the Marine Drive and the sea as a backdrop. He added that if the court refused permission, the government would look for some other space.
