Bombay HC Dismisses PIL Against Construction Of Jetty Near Murud-Janjira Fort In Raigad

The Bombay High Court on Monday has dismissed a PIL against the construction of a jetty near the coastal fort of Murud-Janjira, which is a popular tourist spot, in Raigad district, Maharashtra.

The petition, filed by Mahesh Mohite (social activist and local politician), claimed that the fort has been declared a historical monument under the Archaeological Survey of India.

He further claimed that the construction of a jetty near the fort would harm the environment and cause an impediment to the livelihood of fishermen in the area.

A division bench of Chief Justice Devendra Upadhyaya and Justice Arif Doctor, noted that no grievance was raised by the fishermen.

It said that the fishermen, who are said to be affected, have already formed a cooperative society and if they are affected then it is for this society to take up the matter before the authorities concerned.

The bench stated, “The petition could have been filed by the fishermen. Why should we entertain the petition of a politician?”

It said that the petitioner should not consider courts as a political platform and utilize legal proceedings for political purposes.

The HC stated, “We are not providing a field to play politics. Why has the society (fishermen) not filed a petition? We don’t appreciate this. You are not an office-bearer or member.”

The bench however dismissed the PIL and granted liberty to the fishermen society to seek appropriate remedy under law.

The HC stated that Mohite wasn’t even a member of the fishermen society nor has he made any single representation before any authority prior to approaching the court.

A government agency has been constructing the jetty to facilitate easier access to the fort for tourists.