**Bombay High Court Dismisses Petitions on Bal Thackeray Memorial**
The Bombay High Court has dismissed several petitions concerning the Bal Thackeray memorial, which challenged the Maharashtra government’s decision to allocate the historic Mumbai Mayor’s bungalow at Shivaji Park for a memorial dedicated to the late Shiv Sena leader Bal Thackeray for a nominal fee of Rs 1. The bench, consisting of Chief Justice Alok Aradhe and Justice Sandeep Marne, reviewed multiple petitions disputing the government’s plan to transform the bungalow in Mumbai’s Dadar area into a memorial. Between 2017 and 2019, four Public Interest Litigations (PILs) were filed against this initiative.
Following detailed hearings last week, the petitions were reserved for orders. Lawyers for two petitioners clarified that while they did not oppose the establishment of a memorial for Bal Thackeray, they objected to the method of transferring this significant public property. Jyoti Chavan, representing the state, argued that all necessary procedures were adhered to, stating that public notices were issued and feedback was solicited in 2017. She emphasized that the allegations of procedural violations were unfounded and highlighted that such policy decisions were made for a noble cause. Chavan noted that it is not within the public’s purview to dictate the government’s pricing, especially during financial constraints, and pointed out that similar land allotments for Rs 1 have occurred in the past.
Conversely, advocates for the petitioners contended that the Shiv Sena and its leadership are financially stable and sought to minimize costs by acquiring the land at a minimal lease rate. Advocate Uday Warunjikar, representing one of the petitioners, argued that land valued at Rs 1,000 crore, including the bungalow, was transferred for just Rs 1, characterizing it as a blatant appropriation of public property.
Advocate Darius Khambata, representing the Trust, opposed the petitions, asserting that other organizations, such as the Veer Savarkar Trust, had received similar lease agreements. He provided evidence that the memorial is complete, stating that the heritage structure has been preserved and restored. The memorial, designed to be unique with an underground construction, is expected to open to the public by 2026, coinciding with the centenary of Bal Thackeray’s birth.
In conclusion, the Bombay High Court’s dismissal of the petitions allows the memorial project to proceed, reflecting the government’s commitment to honoring Bal Thackeray’s legacy while navigating the complexities of public property management.
**FAQ**
*What was the outcome of the petitions regarding the Bal Thackeray memorial?*
The Bombay High Court dismissed the petitions challenging the Maharashtra government’s decision to allocate the Mayor’s bungalow for the Bal Thackeray memorial, allowing the project to move forward.
