The Supreme Court on Tuesday refused to entertain a petition challenging the construction of a ₹229 crore passenger jetty near the Gateway of India in Mumbai..The Bench of Chief Justice of India (CJI) BR Gavai and Justice AG Masih noted that the Bombay High Court was already hearing the matter and declined to interfere. However, the Court urged the High Court to decide the issue expeditiously before the end of the monsoon season.Pertinently, the Court also observed that objections to such projects often stem from a “not in my backyard” syndrome. He was referring to the tendency to object a construction project if it affects one personally..The petition before the High Court was filed by Clean and Heritage Colaba Residents Association, along with individual petitioners, opposing the passenger jetty project near the heritage precinct of the Gateway of India.They contended that the project is arbitrary, lacks public consultation, and will irreversibly damage the character of the historic seafront. Among other allegations, they claimed that the jetty will include VIP lounges and parking for 150 cars and was inaugurated with announcements that it would cater to celebrity yachts and private ferries..Senior Advocate Sanjay Hegde, appearing for the petitioner, argued that the project was being pushed without adequate public consultation and would primarily benefit a privileged section of society who will get a private docking area for their ferries.“This is just to create a private docking area for people who want to take private ferries to Alibaug and party therein,” Hegde submitted..Additional Solicitor General Aishwarya Bhati, appearing for the Maharashtra Government, strongly opposed the contention and maintained that the project serves a legitimate public purpose.“That is absolutely incorrect. It is a public infrastructure project for daily commuters,” Bhati said..At this stage, CJI Gavai made remarks pointing to the pattern of localised resistance to civic infrastructure in urban centres. He observed that while such projects are in public interest, they often attract opposition from residents based on proximity concerns.“Anything happens in Mumbai… you come on the coastal road. Now you see how you can reach from South Bombay to Versova. It’s like 'not in my backyard syndrome'. Everyone wants a sewage treatment plant but not behind me,” the Chief Justice said. He added that similar proposals were made to connect Vashi and Dombivli with other areas through sea routes, underlining the benefits of coastal infrastructure development..With the Bombay High Court already seized of the case and scheduled to hear it next on June 16, the Supreme Court disposed of the petition without issuing any directions on merits.“Since the High Court will hear the matter on June 16, we refuse to intervene. Let the High Court decide the matter expeditiously,” the bench directed..The Bombay High Court had earlier declined to stay the ongoing piling work and is now expected to decide the challenge on its merits before the end of the monsoon, in line with the Supreme Court’s request..[Read Live Coverage]
