Mumbai, February 18 The Bombay High Court on Wednesday criticized the Navy for allegedly failing to prevent the construction of a 23-story building near INS Shikra, the Navy's premier air station in South Mumbai.
The rebuke came as a bench of Justices Ravindra Ghuge and Abhay Mantri heard a petition filed by the Commanding Officer of INS Shikra. The Navy is seeking to halt the project, citing significant security risks to the sensitive military installation.
"Were you all sleeping during this time," the court asked, questioning why the construction – which, according to the Navy, began in 2021 – was allowed in the first place.
On Monday, the court had temporarily halted construction activity citing urgent security concerns ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to the city.
On Wednesday, advocate R V Govilkar, representing the Navy, stated that construction up to 53.07 meters was permitted in the area.
The bench said that while they were aware of the security concerns, they could pass an interim order allowing construction up to this height, and scheduled the matter for further hearing on Friday.
The bench also noted that the naval authorities should have been more vigilant.
"Were you all sleeping during this time… The Navy should have been more diligent. You should have regularly monitored the area near the air station to ensure that such constructions did not take place," Justice Ghuge said.
Installations such as naval air stations are of paramount importance for the country's security, the HC said, adding, "These are the defence forces. Because of them, we are alive. We will not take security issues lightly."
The court will ensure in its interim order that if, after the final hearing, the building is found to be a security concern, it would be demolished, the bench said.