Mumbai: Bombay High Court on Thursday directed BMC commissioner to decide on granting permission to two political groups seeking to organise
Dahi Handi celebrations at Ashok Kedare Chowk in
Bhandup West on September 5.
Justice Sandeep Marne heard a petition by
Shiv Sena’s Sandip Jalgaonkar, who was earlier with MNS. He claimed he had been organising the festival at the spot for several years. However, a rival also sought permission for the same spot.
Last year, the HC refused permission to Jalgaonkar and MNS after police anticipated a serious law-and-order situation.
The judge said there is no bar on granting multiple permissions, but “on a particular spot there cannot be two handis”. He frowned at BMC referring the applications to Bhandup police who suggested permitting the applicant who organised the event earlier. “The police should have left the decision to BMC,” said the judge, and directed the BMC commissioner to hold a meeting on Friday 11am. “Each side can send only two representatives and will be given 15 minutes each to present its case. The commissioner’s decision would be final,” he added.
