SC to hear state's plea to hold 'Make in India' event at Mumbai's Girgaum Chowpatty

The Supreme Court has agreed to hear Maharashtra government's plea against denial of nod to hold 'Make in India' function to be attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi at Girgaum Chowpatty on Tuesday.

The Maharashtra government had last week been refused permission by the Bombay High Court to hold a mega event at Girgaum Chowpatty (beach) in south Mumbai to kickstart the 'Make in India Week' programme in February.

The state government had filed an application before the high court after a committee appointed by HC in 2001 to monitor activities on the beach asked the government to seek the court's permission.

The court, however, refused to accept the state's contention and said, "Make in India programme cannot be equated with the solemn function of celebrating the existence of Maharashtra for 50 years."

The HC-appointed committee had in 2005 submitted guidelines on what activities and functions can be permitted to be held at the Girgaum Chowpatty.

In the application filed by deputy secretary V Loke, the state had said it proposed to host a mega 'Maharashtra Night' on February 14 at Girgaum Chowpatty, to showcase its art and culture and industrial development. The event will end with a laser show and fireworks display.