Without Being Influenced By Our Observations -

The Supreme Court Today (May 29) again refused to hear a plea about a new Rs 229 crore passenger jetty near Mumbai’s Gateway of India. It said the Bombay High Court will handle the case without any influence from previous observations.

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Supreme Court Says HC Will Decide Rs 229 Crore Jetty Case: "Without Being Influenced By Our Observations"

New Delhi: The Supreme Court of India declined to entertain a petition challenging the construction of a passenger jetty worth Rs 229 crore near Mumbai’s iconic Gateway of India.

The bench, led by Chief Justice of India (CJI) B.R. Gavai, clarified that the Bombay High Court would take up the matter and give its decision independently.

Senior Advocate Sanjoy Ghose, who was representing one of the parties, highlighted how the case had attracted attention in the media.

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He said,

“There has been significant media coverage regarding the court’s observations in this case.”

To this, CJI B.R. Gavai responded,

“Mr. Hegde was the one who invited those comments.”

Continuing the discussion, Advocate Ghose requested that the Supreme Court make it clear that the High Court should examine the matter with a fresh perspective and not be influenced by any earlier remarks made by this bench.

He asked,

“Could the Court clarify that the High Court should decide the matter independently, without being influenced by any prior observations?”

Chief Justice Gavai then clearly stated,

“The High Court shall decide the case without being influenced by this bench’s observations. The matter is listed for June 9—let it be heard then.”

EARLIER IN APEX COURT: “We All Want Sewage Plants, But Not Near My House”

The Supreme Court on May 27th declined to stay the construction of a passenger jetty and terminal facilities near the Gateway of India in Mumbai, stating that

“Something good is happening in the city.”

A bench led by Chief Justice of India Bhushan Ramkrishna Gavai dismissed the petition challenging the Bombay High Court’s May 7 order, which also rejected a stay on the construction, emphasizing that the Rs.229-crore project serves the public interest.

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Highlighting the advantages of the coastal road from Marine Drive to Worli along Mumbai’s coastline, Chief Justice Gavai noted that travel time to south Mumbai has been reduced from three hours to just 40 minutes.

He added,

“Everyone wants sewage plants, but not near their house.”

The Supreme Court directed the high court, which is set to reconsider the petition on June 20, to expedite the hearing process.

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The petitioners informed the Supreme Court that the project began without prior public notification, consultation, or engagement with local stakeholders.

They argued that the proposed jetty and terminal would affect over 200,000 residents in the Colaba area.

Located near the Radio Club, approximately 500 meters from the Gateway of India, the project aims to reroute all boat traffic from the iconic monument, alleviating congestion and upgrading existing facilities.

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The new jetty is designed to accommodate up to 20 boats simultaneously, facilitating smoother operations.

Additionally, the terminal building will feature a 350-person capacity amphitheater, a berthing jetty, an approach jetty, a fire safety system, and CCTVs, along with landscaping and beautification efforts.

The project is expected to be completed within two years.