HC raps society for not allowing people to enter garden

The Bombay High Court today pulled up a private residential society in south Mumbai for not allowing people to enter a recreation beside their building, observing that open spaces and public areas are for everyone.
A division bench of Chief Justice Manjula Chellur and Justice M S Sonak was hearing a PIL filed by a social worker Sanjay Kokate.
The petitioner claimed that 1,525 square feet of land originally reserved for a recreational ground was being used by Ambiance Ventures Estate and Developments Private limited who had developed five buildings in the area.
There was difference between the actual plan approved by the Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai and actual construction carried out by the builder, he claimed.

The petition claimed that the recreational ground and playground which was meant for people was now being utilised for commercial purpose.
The court had in the last hearing directed the court receiver to inspect the area.

The receiver today informed the court that when they went to see the premises they were not allowed to enter.
"How can you stop public from entering the ground? Public area is precious. Leave something for the poor also," Justice Sonak said after perusing the report.
The bench while posting the matter for further hearing on November 13 directed the civic body and the developer to bring the original sanctioned plan.