PIL to save Azad Maidan

MUMBAI: An appeal by the Mumbai Cricket Association treasurer, Professor Ratnakar Shetty, regarding the appalling condition of the Azad Maidan has been converted into a Public Interest Litigation (PIL).

The letter was sent to the Honourable Chief Justice of Bombay High Court on July 14, 2006.

When DNA contacted Prof Shetty, he said: “There is a lot of encroachment that has happened on the Azad Maidan. Quite a few hutments have come up around the ground. There is a possibility that the ball can hit people who stay in the hutments while playing. The ground too has become virtually unplayable.”

Azad Maidan, which is located just across the road from the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) headquarters, belongs to the state government and is used throughout the year not only for hosting cricket matches but also for other activities like morchas and rallies.

The maidan is also home to numerous cricket clubs.

“We have come under a lot of criticism for not being able to maintain the ground but we are helpless. It’s an open ground and a lot of morchas and rallies are held. Even vehicles enter the ground during these rallies which has spoiled the outfield,” Prof Shetty said.

“Moreover, there are only a few grounds left in Mumbai where one can play cricket,” he added.

The petition will be heard by the bench of Honourable Justice RM Lodha and Honourable Justice NH Patil on Thursday.