As the National Green Tribunal slapped a fine of Rs 5,000 on Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation Limited (MMRCL) for allegedly lacking the merits of discussion and repeatedly vilifying the petitioner NGO Vanashakti for using children for the protests, the stand of MMRCL has ticked off the environmentalists. As MMRC’s appeals to dismiss the petition were withdrawn by the judges, the next hearing is scheduled on May 19 when the NGT has asked MMRCL to be prepared to discuss the merits of the issue.
Vanashakti, who has filed a petition in NGT for declaring Aarey Colony as a non-development zone welcomed the proceedings of the hearing that took place at NGT on Friday. The defending advocates raised the issue of the protests organised by Vanashakti and pointed out the pictures of children standing with placards. The advocates accused the NGO of being publicity seekers and using children for the protests.
However, after hearing the argument, judges imposed the fine of Rs 5,000 on MMRCL for debating on non-merits. The fine was imposed for debating on non-factual issues and disrupting the proceedings by vilifying the petitioners. The judges also withdrew the appeal of MMRCL to dismiss the petition saying the issue stands merit to be heard in NGT and will be debated in detail.
When the judges asked why an alternative could not be used for constructing the car shed, MMRCL said that the environmental damage to any alternate place would almost be equal to that at Aarey. Responding the their explanation, NGT clearly stated that their opinion cannot substantiate the cause of non-availability of spaces and confirmed that they will hear the petition in detail on May 19.
