Stop being so sensitive, pave way for Metro III: Court tells citizens

Bombay HC bats for project, says it’s essential for decongestion of roads

The Bombay High Court on Thursday was seen batting for the Metro III project. It said that people cannot stall the entire project and should compromise and sacrifice to put up with the problems caused due to Metro-III work. The HC also maintained saying citizens should stop being ‘extremely’ sensitive and must pave way for development work.

The oral observations were made by the bench of Chief Justice Manjula Chellur and Justice Nitin Jamdar during a hearing on a petition filed by activist Zoru Bathena challenged the acquisition of land at Aarey Colony and Kanjurmarg, for the Metro III construction.

The minute Bathena’s counsel Zal Andharujina mentioned the petition, CJ Chellur said, “You should allow the development work. If Metro comes in, I can say that it would decongest the crowds on the existing transport modes.”

“There has been too much of opposition to this service which is meant for the public at large. There are people who do not want noise or any other disturbance. But it is high time they realise that this is a service for the public at large. The problems of a group of people cannot be considered much over the service for the public at large,” CJ Chellur added.

The bench advocated for the need of maintaining a balance between both development and also the problems faced by citizens.

“Extreme sensitivity is not correct. You (activists) should compromise with the ongoing work and realise that in such a development work, some sacrifice is necessary,” CJ Chellur said adding, “At the same time I believe extreme arbitrariness (on part of authorities) can also not be appreciated. I think the problem will never end if we continue to think in an extreme manner. There needs to be a balance. We only want the work to be completed at the earliest with least inconvenience to the general public.”