The Bombay High Court has issued a stern warning to the trustees of the Hazrat Sayyed Baleshah Pir Dargah in Bhayandar (West). The dargah is accused of illegally occupying government-owned mangrove land and constructing a 100-foot structure without permission.

A PIL filed by advocate Khush Khandelwal on behalf of the Hindu Task Force has brought the matter to the court’s attention. Despite clear evidence of encroachment and notices served by the authorities, the dargah representatives have failed to appear in court.

The court has now given a final opportunity to the trustees to present their case in the next hearing. If they fail to do so, the matter will be heard ex parte, meaning the court will proceed with the case without their presence. This development indicates a strong stance by the judiciary against illegal land occupation and environmental violations.

The case highlights the ongoing battle to protect government land and the environment from encroachment, particularly in coastal areas.

Siddhant Mohite, Mumbai Uncensored:

In a startling revelation, a complaint filed against Siddhivinayak Developers Kurar has unearthed a web of alleged violations and corruption within the Ekta SRA CHS redevelopment project located at Kurar Village, Malad East. The Slum Rehabilitation Authority (SRA) conducted a thorough survey following the complaint, shedding light on serious discrepancies in the project’s execution.

Slum Rehabilitation Authority’s inspection, initiated after receiving a complaint on January 18, 2024, concluded that Siddhivinayak Developers Kurar had flouted Development Control regulations, indulged in an FSI Scandal, and executed construction work beyond approved plans and commencement certificate (C.C) in the ongoing redevelopment project. Specifically, the construction work exceeded the approved CC for A, B & C wings of the composite building.

The gravity of the situation escalated on May 3, 2024, when the Executive Engineer of SRA P/N issued a letter to Siddhivinayak Developers Kurar and Architect M/s Rasik Hingoo associates, instructing them to stop work immediately at Ekta SRA CHS. The directive also mandated the regularization of the unauthorized construction by paying necessary charges as per SRA policy. Failure to comply would result in appropriate actions as deemed fit.

What raises eyebrows is the timeframe involved in addressing the complaint. Despite the complaint being lodged in January, it took the SRA a staggering five months to conduct an inspection and issue a directive to the developer. Moreover, the directive to ‘regularize’ the unauthorized construction without specifying the penalty charges has sparked skepticism and allegations of a ‘secret understanding’ between the Executive Engineer of P/N SRA and the developer. This clearly shows that corruption is at its peak at the SRA Executive Engineer’s office, and it shows how SRA officials are hand-in-gloves with Real Estate Developers.

Sources have hinted at a nexus between the Executive Engineer and associates with the developer, suggesting an attempt to shield unauthorized construction through corrupt means.

This unauthorized development has stirred concerns among residents and activists, questioning the transparency and efficacy of regulatory bodies in overseeing redevelopment projects. Calls for a thorough inquiry and stringent action against those involved in malpractice are resonating across the community, emphasizing the need for accountability and integrity in Slum re-development initiatives.

Mumbai Uncensored will continue to monitor this story closely and provide updates as it unfolds.

Manak Sharma, Mumbai Uncensored, 7th November, 2023:

India’s Maratha Reservation is a difficult sociopolitical problem. India’s reservation policies have generally been the focus of divisive discussion and debate for a long time. These initiatives seek to close the nation’s social and economic gaps as well as historical injustices. The Maratha community’s inclusion on the list of socially and educationally backward classes is one such divisive reservation issue.

Historically, the Maratha community in India has experienced tremendous political and social change throughout, they have also held positions of power and influence. During colonial and post-independence times, the Marathas experienced challenges with representation and socioeconomic inequality. They started asking for reservations in government positions and educational institutions in an effort to allay these worries.

Maratha reservation supporters assert that the community has historically been marginalized and subjected to socioeconomic regression, especially in rural areas. They argue that in order to elevate the Marathas, affirmative action is necessary. Advocates draw attention to the disparities between Maratha and other communities’ employment and educational backgrounds. Social justice is one of the core tenets of the reservation system. Supporters argue that granting the Marathas a reservation would help ensure equal opportunities and make amends for past injustices. In Maharashtra, the Marathas have a long history of political influence, but they contend that reservation will guarantee their voice stays strong and relevant.

The argument put forth by opponents is that include the Marathas in the reserved group would go beyond the 50% constitutional cap on reservations. Legal problems and inquiries concerning the reservation policy in general may result from this. Opponents argue that seat reservations undermine merit-based hiring and admissions, potentially affecting the overall standards of education in public schools. Other disadvantaged classes fear they will lose their reserved seat allotment if Marathas too get in reservation list. In addition, critics contend that appropriate procedures and standards ought to be set in order for the Maratha community to recognize worthy candidates.

Election results and the political atmosphere in Maharashtra may be impacted by the Maratha reservation’s political significance. Political parties hope to gain support and influence from the Maratha community by making reservations for them. Given that the Marathas have long been a powerful political force, this action may have an impact on how political power is distributed. It might also have an impact on political parties’ alliances and electoral strategies, encouraging them to pay closer attention to the goals and concerns of the Maratha community. Therefore, the Maratha reservation has the power to influence state governance and policy, as well as change Maharashtra’s political environment.

In summary, the controversy surrounding the Maratha reservation in India serves as a symbol for the larger difficulties associated with putting reservation laws into practice. While it is true that some Maratha communities have experienced socioeconomic difficulties, the reservation debate raises difficult questions. It’s still difficult to strike a balance between righting historical wrongs and making sure that admissions and appointments are determined solely by merit. Subcategorization within the reservation framework, careful candidate selection, and ongoing assessment of the policy’s overall social effects may be the way forward.