Mumbai, May 7 (PTI) The Bombay High Court on Wednesday refused to stay the construction work for a passenger jetty and terminal facilities near the Gateway of India, noting that the project was in public interest.

A bench of Chief Justice Alok Aradhe and Justice M S Karnik, however, said the construction work would be subject to the final outcome of a petition filed by a local residents' association against the project.

Also Read | Mumbai Rains Prediction-Maharashtra Weather Forecast: Yellow Alert Issued for May 08 in Mumbai; Thane, Palghar and Other Districts May Also Receive Moderate Rainfall – Complete Details Here.

The court said it would hear the matter on June 20.

Last week, the government had assured the court that the wall near the Gateway of India, marked for demolition as part of the passenger jetty project, will not be broken till the next date of hearing.

Also Read | What Is Third-Degree AV Block? Know All About Heart Condition as Pet Cat Becomes One of the First in India To Receive a Pacemaker in Pune.

In an application filed on Monday, the Clean and Heritage Colaba Residents Association (CHCRA) alleged that the authorities had breached the earlier assurance by beginning piling work at the site.

Advocate General Birendra Saraf on Wednesday told the court the wall won't be demolished as assured.

CHCRA's counsel, Aspi Chinoy, however, said once installed, the piles would be “nearly impossible to remove”, effectively turning the project into a fait accompli – something that has already been done or decided before those affected by it can object or change it – before the matter is fully adjudicated.

Saraf also pointed out that the process for awarding the project began in July 2024, when a notice inviting bids was issued.

The petitioner was always aware that the project entails piling work, he said.

After hearing both sides, the court said it was not inclined to grant any stay on the construction work at this stage. “At this point, we are not inclined to stay the work. This is a public project,” the bench said in its order.

(The above story is verified and authored by Press Trust of India (PTI) staff. PTI, India’s premier news agency, employs more than 400 journalists and 500 stringers to cover almost every district and small town in India.. The views appearing in the above post do not reflect the opinions of LatestLY)