The Bombay High Court has admonished the Maharashtra state government for its prolonged delay in addressing a representation regarding the proposed relocation of Worli Dairy to Aarey Milk Colony in Goregaon. The criticism came during a hearing on a contempt petition filed by Rashtriya Shramik Aghadi, alleging non-compliance with the court’s directive issued on January 5, 2023.
Chief Justice Devendra Kumar Upadhyaya and Justice Amit Borkar expressed dissatisfaction over the government’s sluggish response to the representation, questioning the necessity of a year and a half to deliberate on such matters. The court hinted at potential contempt proceedings if the delays persist, emphasizing the need for expeditious action. The genesis of the legal dispute dates back to March and May 2022, when government resolutions (GRs) were issued by the Revenue and Forest Department, proposing the transfer of 10 acres of prime sea-facing land to the Urban Development Department for the development of an international tourist center and aquarium. Subsequently, these GRs were withdrawn, and a committee was formed in February 2023 to reassess the land’s utilization. Despite the High Court’s directive in January 2023 instructing the committee to evaluate the union’s concerns regarding the relocation of Worli Dairy, little progress has been made according to the petitioner. The union alleged that their representations and follow-ups have been met with bureaucratic inertia, rendering the court’s order ineffectual in practice.
Legal representatives for Rashtriya Shramik Aghadi, including Advocates Uday Warunjikar and Sumit Kate, highlighted that despite the committee’s composition—including the Deputy Chief Minister and other high-ranking officials—no decisive steps have been taken. They underscored the significance of timely decision-making in alignment with both legal requirements and governmental policies. In response, the government’s counsel assured the court that a decision would be forthcoming by the end of July, attempting to assuage concerns regarding the delay. However, the judges remained firm in their stance, emphasizing that such delays undermine the court’s directives and public trust in administrative processes. The ongoing legal saga over the Worli Dairy relocation serves as a critical reminder of the importance of administrative accountability and timely decision-making in matters of public interest and urban planning.
