SC declines to intervene in plea against Colaba Jetty Project near Gateway of India
New Delhi, May 27 (UNI) The Supreme Court on Tuesday refused to interfere with the Bombay High Court's decision allowing the continuation of construction work on a passenger jetty project near the Gateway of India in Mumbai's Colaba area.
A bench headed by Chief Justice of India BR Gavai, while hearing the special leave petition filed by residents, questioned the opposition to the infrastructure development. 'Why this 'not in my backyard' behaviour? Everyone wants a sewage treatment plant, but not behind their home,' remarked the CJI.
'There is also a proposal to connect Vashi and Dombivli on the sea route,' he added, highlighting the broader public benefit of such initiatives.
Senior advocate Sanjay Hegde, appearing for the petitioners, argued that the project was intended to create a private docking facility primarily for those travelling by ferry to Alibaug.
However, additional solicitor general Aishwarya Bhati refuted the claim, asserting that the jetty is meant for daily commuters. 'It is incorrect... the attorney general has clarified that the project is for daily commuters. It was all over the media reports,' she said.
The Bombay High Court, in its order dated May 7, had allowed the work at the site, finding that the project served public interest and declined to grant interim relief to the petitioners.
Located approximately 280 metres from the historic Gateway of India, the project involves the development of passenger amenities including lounges, ticket counters, retail shops, office spaces, and parking facilities for up to 150 vehicles.
The petitioners have raised concerns over the legality of various clearances granted for the project, including the Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) approval and No Objection Certificates (NOCs) from heritage and traffic authorities.
They also cited the lack of mandatory public consultation as a significant procedural lapse.
Despite these concerns, the Supreme Court bench declined to intervene, allowing the Bombay High Court's order permitting the project's continuation to stand.
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