The Maharashtra government was today refused permission by the Bombay High Court to hold a mega event at Girgaum Chowpatty (beach) in south Mumbai to kickstart the ‘Make in India Week’ programme in February.
The state government had filed an application before the high court after a committee appointed by HC in 2001 to monitor activities on the beach asked the government to seek the court’s permission.
The HC-appointed committee had in 2005 submitted guidelines on what activities and functions can be permitted to be held at the Girgaum Chowpatty.
A division bench of Justices A S Oka and C V Bhadang today, while refusing to grant permission to the state government, observed that permitting the government to hold such functions on the beach will 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 its art and culture and industrial development. The event will end with a laser show and fireworks display.
Advocate General Shreehari Aney said, “Earlier the committee had made an exception and permitted the government to hold a function at the beach celebrating the 50th year anniversary of Maharashtra.”
“This ‘Make in India’ event is much more grand and important. At least three Prime Ministers of different countries are excepted to attend the event along with several other VIPs and foreign delegates. The function will be open to the public also,” Aney said.
The court, however, refused to accept the state’s contention and said, “Make in India programme cannot be equated with the solemn function of celebrating the existence of Maharashtra for 50 years. The presence of VIPs and foreign delegates does not mean the guidelines accepted by the high court earlier have to be modified.
