Pune: High Court Greenlights Shourya Diwas Celebration in Koregaon-Bhima; Orders Removal of Sugarcane

Pune, 18th December 2023: The Bombay High Court has paved the way for the celebration of Shourya Diwas in Koregaon-Bhima, issuing an order to clear the area around the Victory Pillar by removing sugarcane.

The Maharashtra state government had submitted an application seeking permission to utilize the location for organizing Shourya Diwas, and the application was heard by a single bench presided over by Justice Amit Borkar.

Senior advocate Ram Apte, representing the government, clarified in court that the original petitioner, Malvadkar, had no objection to the use of the designated space for Shourya Diwas. Taking note of this information, the court disposed of the state government’s application, issuing the order.

Key Points of the Court Order:

– From December 22, 2023, to January 5, 2024, the State Government is granted permission to utilize the space near the Victory Pillar for Shourya Diwas.

– From December 31, 2023, to January 5, 2024, the general public can visit the Vijay Pillar area.

– As the area currently hosts sugarcane cultivation, the original petitioner, Malvadkar, is directed to remove the sugarcane and vacate the designated space.

– In the event that Malvadkar fails to harvest the sugarcane, the state government is authorized to clear the space by removing the sugarcane.

– Malvadkar is explicitly barred from demanding compensation from the government for any losses incurred during the sugarcane removal process by the administration.

– Malvadkar is permitted to take the sugarcane harvested by the state government.

This decision follows a five-year history of the government seeking permission to use the space for Shourya Diwas, with the court consistently granting approval. The court reiterated that permission is being granted this year as well.

As preparations for Shourya Diwas are set in motion, the court’s order aims to facilitate the smooth execution of the event, balancing the interests of the state government, the original petitioner, and the public visiting the Vijay Pillar area during the specified period.