Supreme Court clears way for ‘Make in India’ event at Girgaum Chowpatty
03 Feb 2016
The Supreme Court has allowed the Maharashtra government to organise an event at Mumbai's Girgaum Chowpatty beach on 14 February as part of the 'Make in India' week celebrations.
The Maharashtra government had approached the apex court after the Bombay High Court denied permission for the event.
The state government had to seek the high court's permission as the court had appointed a committee in 2001 to monitor activities on the beach.
The high court had declined permission as it felt that permitting the state government to hold such functions on the beach will be faulty to the guidelines of the committee.
Attorney General Mukul Rohatgi, who appeared for the Maharashtra Government, told the apex court that the function relates to national pride as Prime Minister Narendra Modi, chief minister Devendra Fadnavis and representative of 56 countries would attend the event.
A three-judge bench headed by Justice T S Thakur passed the order allowing the state to hold the investor meet after Attorney General Mukul Rohatgi, appearing for the Maharashtra government, told the apex court that the function related to national pride as Prime Minister Narendra Modi, chief minister Devendra Fadnavis and representative of 56 countries would attend the event.
''If the prime minister's function is not allowed on Girgaon Chowpatty then the government will also be not allowed to hold Republic Day function at India Gate,'' he pointed out.
The 'Maharashtra Night' on 14 February at Girgaum Chowpatty will showcase the state's art and culture and industrial development, according to the application filed before the apex court.
Leaders from 56 countries and 10,000 delegates are expected to attend the meet, and that government has promised to take precautions to ensure no ecological damage is caused. All construction for the event will also be temporary.
Famous Bollywood art director Nitin Desai has been assigned as a sort of creative director for the meet.
The event will end with a laser show and fireworks display.