Today, On 29th August, A Criminal Public Interest Litigation submitted to the Bombay High Court, seeking the registration of an FIR against Public Works Department engineers from the Malvan Division. This legal move comes in the wake of the collapse of a 40-foot statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in Maharashtra’s Sindhudurg district.
Mumbai: A Criminal Public Interest Litigation (PIL) submitted to the Bombay High Court, seeking the registration of a First Information Report (FIR) against the Public Works Department (PWD) engineers from the Malvan Division.
This legal move comes in the wake of the collapse of a 40-foot statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in Maharashtra’s Sindhudurg district.
The statue, a significant symbol of Maharashtra’s rich cultural heritage and the Maratha warrior king’s legacy, had been a point of pride for the local community.
However, the structure’s sudden collapse sparked widespread concern and outrage. Allegations have surfaced that the incident was a result of poor construction quality and negligence on the part of the engineers responsible for the project.
The grand statue, constructed of iron and unveiled by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, along with Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and Deputy Chief Ministers Ajit Pawar and Devendra Fadnavis, collapsed just nine months later on August 26.
The petition argues that this incident caused ‘international shame’ for the country, holding the State responsible for the disgrace brought upon it by the statue’s collapse, which was erected in just seven months.
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The petitioner, through the PIL, expressed concerns that the engineers in charge failed to adhere to proper safety and construction standards, which led to the statue’s collapse. The litigation argues that this negligence not only disrespects the memory of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj but also endangers public safety, warranting a thorough investigation.
The call for an FIR is aimed at holding those accountable who were involved in the construction and maintenance of the statue. The PIL emphasizes the need for stringent action to prevent such incidents in the future and to ensure that those responsible for this mishap are brought to justice.
This case also ignited a broader debate on the quality of public infrastructure projects and the accountability of government officials and contractors involved in such initiatives. The incident is being closely watched, as it touches on issues of cultural respect, public safety, and the integrity of public works in Maharashtra.