Mumbai: The Maharashtra government informed the Bombay High Court on Thursday that the proposed passenger jetty and terminal near the Gateway of India is not intended solely for VIPs.
State Advocate General Birendra Saraf made the statement before a bench of Chief Justice Alok Aradhe and Justice M.S. Karnik during a hearing on a petition filed by three residents of Colaba and Cuffe Parade. Representing over 150 individuals and businesses, the petitioners have challenged the project citing environmental impact, restricted public access, and traffic congestion.
The court declined to grant an interim stay on the construction, observing that the project appears to be in public interest. The bench issued notices to relevant authorities and directed them to file detailed responses but refused to halt work for now. The next hearing is scheduled for June 16.
The HC, on Wednesday, had refused to stay on the project observing that “the project is in public interest” while hearing a plea by Clean and Heritage Colaba Residents Association (CHCRA).
The petition contests various clearances granted to the project, including Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) approval by the Maharashtra Coastal Zone Management Authority (MCZMA), a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the Heritage Conservation Committee in February, and a traffic NOC issued on January 28.
“This jetty falls within 100 metres of the promenade, which must be preserved,” argued advocate Anita Castellino for the petitioners. “There was no public consultation, despite the BMC’s NOC clearly mandating it. Residents are stakeholders too, yet no notices were issued.”
Castellino also raised concerns about traffic and emergency access, noting that congestion—especially during holidays—has previously blocked fire brigades and ambulances.
She cited news reports in which a minister allegedly described the jetty as meant for VIPs. In response, Saraf clarified that the jetty was intended for public use, not just for VIPs. The bench remarked, “A news report is hearsay evidence. It’s not admissible.”
The petitioners further alleged that the contractor assigned to the project had been debarred in 2020 for faulty construction. They also cited a feasibility report suggesting that ‘Bhaucha Dhakka’ would be a better location for the jetty.
The bench asked the State to clarify all the points raised by the petitioner, including VIP jetty and debarment of the contractor. “Or we’ll take a dim view. But for today, we are not stalling it,” the bench said.
