Expressing anguish over the recent encroachment of the India United Mills in central
Mumbai by followers of Babasaheb Ambedkar, the Bombay high court on Tuesday rapped the Maharashtra government for its "failure to take action against the encroachers".
"Don't you (government) think this action of forcibly taking over possession of government land has eroded the authority of the government? The government's failure to take action against the encroachers is disturbing," a division bench of Justices D K Deshmukh and A V Mohta remarked.
The court was hearing a petition filed by the National Textile Corporation seeking directions to Mumbai police and state government to evict the encroachers.
Comparing the incident to the Babri Masjid demolition, Justice Deshmukh said, "In 1993, we all saw what a mob did in Ayodhya. The country is still reeling under its effects. We
are facing a similar situation now. The state government by its inaction is promoting such acts, which results in communal tension."
The court further remarked that if the government is not able to protect its own property, then how would the citizens feel safe. "Don't you (government) feel this action is a challenge to your authority? The squatters are a threat to your rule," the bench said.
Counsels for the Anandraj Ambedkar-led Republican Sena told the court that there should be reconciliation and the government should make a statement before the court that a portion of the land will be given to build a memorial for the Dalit leader.
Asked by the court if the forcible possession by activists of Republican Sena was justified, the counsel replied in the negative. "Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar is the father of our Constitution and you (activists) are violating that. The encroachers have put up statues of Gautam Buddha, who was a staunch supporter of non-violence. If you think your acts are not justified, then vacate the land immediately," Justice Deshmukh said.
The matter has been kept on Thursday when the state government will have to inform the court what action it proposes to take to remove the encroachments.
