Mumbai: A fresh Special Leave Petition (SLP) has been filed in the Supreme Court by a Colaba residents’ association challenging the Bombay High Court’s (HC) refusal to stay piling work for a proposed passenger jetty and terminal near the iconic Gateway of India.
The petition contests the high court’s May 7 order, which permitted the continuation of piling work at the project site near the Radio Club. The court had earlier recorded the Advocate General’s assurance that the heritage wall, forming part of the Gateway precinct, would not be demolished before June 20. However, residents allege that concrete piling began the very next day, on May 3.
An interim application seeking to halt the work until final disposal of the writ petition was dismissed by the HC, which held that the work did not violate its earlier order. The court, led by Chief Justice Alok Aradhe, had observed that the project appeared to serve public interest and declined interim relief to petitioners, including the Clean and Heritage Colaba Residents Association (CHCRA).
Another appeal, filed last week by three Colaba and Cuffe Parade residents representing over 150 individuals and businesses, also seeks an urgent stay on the ongoing piling. Their petition argues that the construction threatens irreversible environmental harm, increased traffic congestion, and damage to the heritage structure.
The project, located 280 metres from the Gateway, includes lounges, ticket counters, shops, offices, and parking for 150 vehicles. Petitioners question the legitimacy of multiple clearances, including Coastal Regulation Zone approval and NOCs from heritage and traffic authorities, citing lack of mandatory public consultation.
The Supreme Court is expected to hear on May 28. The Bombay High Court has listed related hearings for June 16.
