The Bombay High Court has constituted a High-Powered Committee, led by former Allahabad Chief Justice Dilip Bhosale, to prevent encroachments and ensure the protection and preservation of the iconic Sanjay Gandhi National Park in Mumbai.
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MUMBAI: The Bombay High Court has taken a step towards preserving one of Mumbai’s most precious green spaces, the Sanjay Gandhi National Park (SGNP). In a recent order, the Court constituted a High-Powered Committee under the chairmanship of former Allahabad High Court Chief Justice Dilip Babasaheb Bhosale. The decision follows long-standing concerns over encroachments and the preservation of the park.
Background
The move comes in response to a contempt of court petition alleging non-compliance with Court orders dating back to 1995, aimed at protecting the SGNP. The Division Bench, comprising Chief Justice Shree Chandrasekhar and Justice Gautam A Ankhad, noted that despite several judicial directions, the State government had not taken sufficient action to safeguard the park.
The Court emphasized the importance of SGNP as a “crown jewel” for Mumbai and Thane, underlining the need for immediate and coordinated efforts for its protection.
Committee Members
The High-Powered Committee will consist of:
- Justice Dilip Babasaheb Bhosale – Chairperson, former Chief Justice of Allahabad High Court
- Nitin Kareer – Former Chief Secretary of Maharashtra
- Subodhkumar Jaiswal – Former Director General of Police, Maharashtra
- Anita Patil – Conservator of Forests and Director of SGNP, Borivali
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Mandate and Functions
The committee has been tasked with several critical responsibilities:
- Construction of a boundary wall around SGNP to prevent further encroachments
- Suggesting measures to ensure compliance with court orders and protect the park
- Identifying lands and overseeing rehabilitation for evicted encroachers, including the construction and funding of tenements
- Coordinating with agencies for site identification and rehabilitation planning
- Removal of encroachments from parkland
- Reviewing pending interim applications related to the park and submitting detailed reports to the Court
The Court has directed the State government to provide full logistical support, including office space, vehicles, secretarial and police assistance. Failure to cooperate could lead to contempt proceedings.
Remuneration:
- Chairperson: ₹1 lakh per sitting
- Other members: ₹55,000 per sitting
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Advocate General Birendra Saraf informed the Court that out of 90 acres earmarked for rehabilitation, 44 acres would be immediately available for residential development, while the remaining 46 acres would be processed shortly, subject to forest notifications.
The Court has emphasized transparency by directing the State to publish Committee details and meeting schedules online, with the possibility of sharing meeting minutes.
The High-Powered Committee is required to submit its first report within three months of its first meeting. The matter will be heard next on February 19, 2026.
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Appearance:
Petitioner in the contempt of court petition: Senior Advocate Janak Dwarkadas with advocate Namrata Vinod
Petitioner in a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed in 2023: Advocates Hemant Ghadigaonkar, Sandesh More and Hitendra Gandhi
An intervenor: Advocates Vishal Kanade and Biswadeep Chakravarty
The State: Advocate General Dr. Birendra Saraf appeared along with Assistant Government Pleader Prashant Kamble
Case Title:
Samyak Janhit Seva Sanstha Vs The Union of India
CONTEMPT PETITION (LODGING) NO.9237 OF 2023
READ ORDER