Bombay High Court on Monday has expressed strong disapproval of the Maharashtra government’s approach to handling illegal structures violating the Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) norms
The Bombay High Court on Monday has expressed strong disapproval of the Maharashtra government’s approach to handling illegal structures violating the Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) norms. The court’s criticism points towards an alleged selective enforcement based on political affiliations, highlighting a significant concern over the impartiality of administrative actions in the state.
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During a session presided over by Justice Madhav Jamdar, the court addressed a petition filed by Sadanand Kadam, an associate of Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Anil Parab. Kadam is contesting a demolition notice issued by the additional collector on December 6, 2023, targeting his property. This legal battle has brought to the forefront allegations of political bias influencing the enforcement of environmental regulations.
The court’s frustration was evident when the Maharashtra government failed to comply with previous orders to submit a detailed affidavit outlining the actions taken against other CRZ violators. Justice Jamdar’s bench accused the state of harboring a “selective approach,” which seemingly exempts individuals who align politically with the current administration. The bench starkly suggested,
“File a statement indicating that the State of Maharashtra intends to target only political opponents. Your motives will be evident,”
underscoring the perceived political vendetta driving the government’s actions.
This judicial reprimand comes amidst ongoing debates over the fairness and integrity of government operations, particularly concerning environmental law enforcement. The court’s directive for the state to provide a comprehensive affidavit by April 17 aims to ensure transparency and accountability in the crackdown on illegal coastal constructions.
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In a related development, Sadanand Kadam has responded to the court’s concerns by submitting an affidavit committing to the demolition of the second floor of the contentious Sai resort located in Khed, Ratnagiri district, by April 15. This move aligns with the court’s previous directives and reflects the ongoing legal negotiations surrounding the property.
Furthermore, Justice Jamdar has mandated Kadam to submit an undertaking that he will demolish the entire structure if he loses the petition challenging the Ministry of Environment and Forest and Climate Change’s (MOEFCC) order. This case, which questions the demolition order under the Environment (Protection) Act, is pending before a division bench and adds another layer to the complex legal landscape surrounding environmental compliance and political influence.
The Bombay High Court’s stance sends a clear message to the Maharashtra government and other state authorities: legal and environmental regulations should be enforced uniformly, without bias towards political affiliations. This case underscores the importance of upholding the rule of law and the principles of environmental protection, free from the taint of political vendetta. As the situation unfolds, the actions taken by the Maharashtra government will be closely scrutinized for adherence to the court’s directives and the overarching principles of justice and equity.
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