HC slams state for inaction against encroachers of Indu Mills

Expressing anguish over the recent encroachment of the India United Mills (INDU) in central Mumbai by followers of Babasaheb Ambedkar, the Bombay High Court on Tuesday rapped the Maharashtra government for its "failure to take action against the encroachers".

"Don't you (government) think this action of forcibly taking over possession of government land has eroded the authority of the government? The government's failure to take action against the encroachers is disturbing," a division bench of Justices D K Deshmukh and A V Mohta remarked. The court was hearing a petition filed by the National Textile Corporation (NTC) seeking directions to Mumbai police and state government to evict the encroachers.

Comparing the incident to the Babri Masjid demolition, Justice Deshmukh said, "In 1993, we all saw what a mob did in Ayodhya. The country is still reeling under its effects. We are facing a similar situation now. The state government by its inaction is promoting such acts, which results in communal tension." The court remarked that if the government is not able to protect its own property, then how would the citizens feel safe. "Don't you feel this action is a challenge to your authority?," the bench said.