Bombay HC directs authorities to give notice to Dapoli resort owner before taking action – India Today

The Bombay High Court has directed authorities in Maharashtra to give notice before taking any action against a resort in Dapoli, which allegedly is owned by Shiv Sena leader Anil Parab. 

The Bombay High Court has directed authorities in Maharashtra to give notice before taking any action against a resort in Dapoli, which allegedly is owned by Shiv Sena leader Anil Parab. (File photo)

By Vidya : The Bombay High Court has directed authorities in Maharashtra to give notice before taking any action against a resort in Dapoli, which allegedly is owned by Shiv Sena leader Anil Parab.

The directions were issued after several reports emerged stating the state government transferred Rs 1 crore to the Ratnagiri district collector’s office for demolition of two resorts on Dapoli beach, which stand in violation of the Coastal Zone Regulations.

The bench of Chief Justice Dipankar Datta and Justice Madhav Jamdar was hearing a petition filed by Sadanand Kadam, owner of Sai resort, who claims to have bought the land, on which his resort is standing, from Parab. Kadam has sought quashing of the demolition order issued against the resort, contending that demolition orders have been passed for political reasons.

Also Read: Anil Parab’s aide reaches Bombay HC against demolition notice for Dapoli resort

Advocate Venkatesh Dhond, appearing for Kadam, submitted that considering the matter is before the court, he may be given notice in case any “precipitative action” is taken by the authorities. To this, the bench asked the government that “In case of any adverse action, inform the petitioner.”

The bench also allowed BJP leader Kirit Somaiya to intervene in the petition. It was on Somaiya’s complaint that the Ministry of Environment and Forest and Climate Change (MoEF CC), on January 31 this year, directed the removal of the structure that is still under construction.

According to the petition, on December 29, 2020, Kadam purchased the land in Murud tehsil, Dapoli, by a registered and stamped sale deed executed between him and Parab. After obtaining the requisite permissions to change the use of the land from ‘agricultural’ to ‘non-agriculture’ purposes, Kadam started constructing a structure with a ground and one floor.

Also Read: Lies of Sena’s Anil Parab exposed, police must file FIR: BJP’s Kirit Somaiya

The structure was originally meant for personal use. However, on account of the rise in tourism, Kadam decided to convert the structure into a resort. The structure was never fully completed and till date was never operationalised or used as a residential bungalow or a resort, Kadam stated in his plea.

During the hearing on Monday, the bench also asked the parties to file their replies by November 16 and listed the next hearing of the case on November 24.