Bombay High Court Dismisses PIL Against Wankhede Stadium Reconstruction

The Bombay High Court has dismissed a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed in 2009, challenging the reconstruction of the Wankhede Stadium and Garware Club House in South Mumbai. 

Court Affirms Valid Permissions and Safety Compliance

The court observed that the necessary permissions had been obtained from statutory authorities before the commencement of the reconstruction work. The court noted, “There is nothing on record to indicate that the construction of the stadium posed any threat to the railway line. The work has been completed, and a completion certificate has been issued,” a bench of Chief Justice Alok Aradhe and Justice Sandeep Marne said on August 8. 

PIL Raised Concerns Over Safety and Environmental Violations

The PIL, filed by activist Amit Maru, had raised concerns regarding safety risks due to the stadium’s proximity to the Western Railway line, as well as alleged violations of environmental and town planning regulations during the reconstruction.

Petition Sought Demolition and Public Recreation Conversion

The petition, which sought action against Railway and BMC officials, also requested the demolition of parts of the stadium and the conversion of the Garware Club House into a public recreation ground. Additionally, Maru demanded the removal of commercial activities within the stadium premises and an inquiry into the alleged tacit approval of violations by public servants.

Court Finds No Evidence of Environmental or Legal Violations

Maru’s petition raised issues about environmental clearances, particularly regarding the Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) conditions requiring a “green belt” around the stadium. However, the court found no evidence to support the claim that the construction violated any provisions of law. The Maharashtra Coastal Zone Management Authority (MCZMA) had already recommended the project from an environmental perspective, the court noted. 

Stadium Operated Safely for Over a Decade Without Incident

The court also observed that the Wankhede Stadium and Garware Club House had been functioning for over a decade without any incidents or significant complaints regarding safety. It highlighted that the petitioner had not challenged the statutory permissions granted by authorities, making it difficult to argue that any legal violations occurred.

MCA Legal Counsel Emphasises Compliance with Regulations

Senior advocates Rafiq Dada, representing the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA), pointed out that the necessary clearances had been granted, and the project had proceeded with full compliance with regulations. He emphasised that there was no evidence to support the petitioner’s claims of environmental harm or safety violations.

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Court Concludes No Legal Violations and Disposes of Petition

“In absence of challenge to various statutory permissions, it is difficult to hold that the development in question violates any provisions of law,” the bench concluded, disposing of the petition.

Brief History and Renovation of Wankhede Stadium

Wankhede stadium was built in 1975 within a record period of six months and named after then Mumbai Cricket Association’s President Barrister Seshrao Wankhede. It underwent renovation in 2010, before the Cricket World Cup of 2011. The renovations focused on upgrading infrastructure, seating, amenities, and technology. It currently has a seating capacity of 33,000.