Shivaji Park a recreation ground, insists Maharashtra government

The state government on Tuesday categorically told the Bombay high court that the iconic Shivaji Park at Dadar is a recreation ground and not a playground even as the court questioned the gazette on open spaces saying it does not show “a single playground in Mumbai.”

A division bench of Chief Justice Mohit Shah and Justice DG Karnik’s observations came up while hearing an application by a social organisation, Bharat Mukti Morcha, seeking permission to celebrate Mulnivasi Mahapuran and Vijay Melava. It sought permission to use loud speakers and other equipments on May 22, 2011 on the ground which is a silent zone.

“In the whole of gazette there is not a single playground in Mumbai,’’ remarked justice Karnik. Justice Shah asked, “Does this act (of the state) make a different definition of recreation ground and playground?’’ Government pleader Dhairyasheel Nalavade submitted that he will have to take instructions before he makes a statement. He said that Shivaji Park has been declared a RG.

BMC also informed the court that it has taken steps to declare the Shivaji Park area as a silence zone. Rejecting the Morcha’s application, the judges said, “Until all controversies (regarding whether Shivaji Park is recreation ground or playground is decided) it is not possible to grant relief.” The matter will be heard on April 21, 2011.