Apex Court allows event at Girgaum Chowpatty beach

The Supreme Court on Wednesday stayed a Bombay high court order and allowed the Maharashtra government to hold an event at Girgaum Chowpatty beach in the city to kickstart the 'Make in India Week' programme, which will be attended by the Prime Minister.

A Bench, comprising Justices MY Eqbal and Arun Mishra, allowed the submission of Attorney General Mukul Rohatgi, appearing for the state, that the proposed function is "India's pride" and the administration does not propose to raise any permanent structure at the beach site.

He also opposed the apprehension that the holding such an event will obstruct traffic flow in South Mumbai, saying: "I am the State. Do you think that the State will obstruct the smooth flow of traffic?" PM Modi, delegates from 56 countries and several other dignitaries are scheduled to take part in this programme, he said.

Finding merit in his submission, the Bench said: "We issue notice. In the meantime, interim relief in terms of prayer 'a' (seeking permission to hold the function) is being granted." 

The Apex Court had on February 1 agreed to hear the appeal of the Maharashtra government against the Bombay high court order, denying permission to hold the event at the beach. 

The state had said in its plea that the idea behind holding such an event, to be held between February 13 and 18, is to attract investment in Maharashtra and certain events have been allowed to be held at Girgaum beach in the past also.

The high court had on January 28 refused to allow the state to hold the event at the beach.