Adarsh accused Deshmukh under HC scanner in one more case

A division bench of Chief Justice Mohit Shah and Justice G S Godbole was today hearing a public interest litigation against the redevelopment of the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Stadium (SVPS) in Worli, the permission for which was given by Deshmukh.

According to the PIL filed by an NGO, Society for Promotion of Equality, Awareness and Rights, officials of government and the BMC had connived with the club and granted permissions for the redevelopment, which is in gross violation of Environment Protection Act, Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) rules and the Development Control (DC) regulations.

"The permission for redevelopment of the stadium was given by P V Deshmukh on November 29, 2002 without seeking clearance from the Ministry of Environment and Forest or the Maharashtra Coastal Zone Management Authority. Deshmukh misused his power in the government office," petitioner's lawyer Owen Menezes argued.

The petition states that the stadium which was meant to be a recreation ground falls under the Green Zone category as per the sanctioned development plan of 2001. "NSCI has usurped the land under the guise of redevelopment. The club has constructed two buildings in the stadium, entry to which is allowed only for their members," it alleges. The matter will be heard next on June 24.