The Week That Was: The Bombay High Court

A few important matters were heard in the Bombay High Court this week, including the cases relating to the protection of the wetlands. This matter has been particularly significant given the fact that the state has consistently failed in complying with the court’s directions..A PIL seeking a probe into the sale of Waqf land for Mukesh Ambani’s house, Antilia was dismissed with costs. In other news, the state has agreed to expand the definition of the word ‘victim’ under the Manodhairya scheme which is meant for victims of rape and child abuse. In the Bilkis Bano case, the defence’s submissions continued throughout the week..Here is a look at all that happened this week..Monday, July 25.State level committee for protection of wetlands.The state government has been directed to form a committee, headed by the divisional commissioner of the Konkan region, to ensure protection and restoration of wetlands. This committee will comprise of representatives from authorities like MMRDA and MPCB along with a representative for the petitioner which in this case is Vanashakti public Trust..These directions were issued by the division bench of Justices AS Oka and AA Sayed while hearing a PIL seeking protection of wetlands..Tuesday, July 26.Antilia PIL dismissed.A Division bench headed by Justice VM Kanade dismissed a PIL alleging irregularity in the land deal between a trust and Mukesh Ambani’s Antilia Commercial Pvt. Ltd..The bench enquired about the petitioner Shadaab Patel’s bona fides, before eventually imposing costs. .Patel is a Bandra based businessman who had previously filed an intervention application in AIB roast controversy, as well as a PIL also filed a PIL for an odd-even rule in Mumbai..The bench had earlier asked the petitioner to give reasons for the delay in filing this PIL as the deal is 14 years old. The petitioner had contended that the land was meant for an orphanage of the Khwaja community and could not have been sold to anyone from outside the community..Wednesday, July 27.State willing to expand definition of “Victim” under Manodhairya scheme.Asisstant public prosecutor Mankhuwar Deshmukh informed a division bench headed by Justice Naresh Patil that the state government will be willing to expand how the word “victim” is defined under the Manodhairya scheme meant for victims of rape and child abuse..The bench is a hearing petitions seeking coverage under the said scheme for a four year old who was sexually assaulted and a 15-year old victim who was first forcefully married to her rapist who later abandoned her..Wezley Menzes, appearing for the victims, sought compensation under the Manodhairya Scheme and the Victim Compensation Scheme. The State also informed the bench that the cut-off date for claiming compensation under scheme will also be changed within eight weeks, and that trauma centres for victim’s counselling will be set up.