Maha govt denied permission to hold event at Girgaum beach

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 high court also noted that the state government never
objected to the committee's guidelines when it was recommended and even when it was accepted by the HC in 2005.
"When the high 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 had informed the court that while the function will be held on February 14 for four hours in the evening, the government will start construction of stage, back stage, toilets and other temporary structures from February 1 itself.

Around two lakh sq ft area on the beach will be used for the function with 500 to 600 chairs for VIPs and other guests after which the place will be open to public, he said.
When the court questioned as to why the function has 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 sea in the backdrop. If the court refuses permission then the government will look for some other place.