The Bombay High Court recently disposed of a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) that sought a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) investigation into the tragic deaths of 14 people allegedly due to heatstroke and stampede during the Maharashtra Bhushan Award ceremony held at Navi Mumbai's Kharghar on April 16.
The division bench, comprising Acting Chief Justice Nitin Jamdar and Justice Arif S Doctor, disposed of the PIL after Advocate General Birendra Saraf informed the court that the concerned Investigating Agency had already initiated an investigation into the matter. The court was assured that witness statements were being recorded and that the investigation was in an advanced stage.
The PIL, filed by Shaila Kanthe through Advocate Nitin Satpute, had sought criminal action against Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, and 10 others who were present at the event. It claimed that the ceremony was a "waste of public money" and held the awardee, Appasaheb Dharmadhikari, a social activist and reformer, accountable for the tragedy, demanding that the award be returned.
The plea also requested the court to direct the Director General of Police (DGP) to take criminal action against the subordinates who failed to take necessary measures against the errant officials. Additionally, it sought compensation of Rs 50 lakh for the families of the deceased and Rs 5 lakh for the injured.
During the hearing, it was revealed that the state government had already launched an inquiry into the incident. Advocate General Birendra Saraf and Chief Public Prosecutor Aruna Pai informed the bench about the progress of the investigation and the recording of witness statements.
The court acknowledged the ongoing investigation and concluded that there was no need for further directions. Consequently, the PIL was disposed of by the bench.
The tragic incident occurred during the Maharashtra Bhushan Award ceremony, which was attended by prominent figures, including Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, and Union Home Minister Amit Shah. At least 14 people lost their lives, allegedly due to heatstroke, during the event, which was held in an open ground in Kharghar and witnessed a massive gathering of about 10 lakh people.
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