On July 4, 2025, hundreds of students, parents, regular BEST commuters, old, young, activists from Aamchi Mumbai Aamchi BEST, Fridays For Future Mumbai, Habitat and Livelihood Welfare Association, Humanist Centre, Jan Haq Sangharsh Samiti, Lokraj Sanghatana, Loktantrik Kamgar Union, Mulbhut Adhikar Sangharsh Samiti, Nagari Niwara Vichar Manch, Naujawan Bharat Sabha, Nivrut Kamgar Sanghatan, Pudhe Chala and Purogami Mahila Sanghatana gathered at the Mumbai, Wadala depot, demanding that, public transport is an issue of survival and livelihood for most of the commuters and hence, Mumbai’s lifeline BEST (public bus transport) service be considered as inviolable right of citizens.

They collectively submitted their demands to BEST authorities, the major demands being:

• The fare hike be immediately rescinded and restored to earlier levels.
• The decision to monetise depots be cancelled and BEST land be retained exclusively for BEST’s use.
• The February 2024 decision of the Municipal Commissioner be implemented so the BEST can henceforward be subsidised and operated as part of the BMC Budget.
• BEST discontinues wet-leasing and immediately purchase and operate its own buses to maintain a fleet of at least 6000 buses to meet the needs of commuters in the city.

Several activists and leaders addressed those Mumbaikars who had gathered. Speakers maintained that public transport is an inviolable right of citizens of the city. For decades. The BEST bus service has been a lifeline for the people of Mumbai, as it ensured that working people can travel to work, to schools and colleges, to hospitals, and for other needs of city life with safety, efficiency, and affordability. That is why Mumbaikars once used to love BEST as their own.

However, of late, over the past few years, in the name of “cutting losses,” BEST has increasingly brought in private contractors, doubled bus fares, reduced the bus fleet, and have thereby deepened the crisis — and it is the ordinary Mumbaikar who is paying the price.

Many commuters, including parents who drop and pick up children from school, students travelling to colleges and universities, patients travelling to public hospitals spoke about how doubling of the fare has led to major increase in their expenses and how they are finding it difficult to cope. The average daily BEST ridership dropped by at least 10%, after the fare hike, (nearly doubled) on May 9, 2025.[1]

One senior trade union leader Mr Ranga Satose, in fact, informed the protestors as to how Maharashtra Government has decided to monetise BEST properties, under the pretext of losses incurred. He said, that “Deputy Chief Minister Mr. Eknath Shinde held meeting in month of April 2025, and has decided to monetise all BEST assets, which includes 375 acres land.”

BMC the richest civic body in India, with ₹74,427 crore budget[2] for year of 2025: Public transport is not profit-making venture but the citizens’ right to affordable transportation

The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) estimates a revenue income of Rs 43,159.40 crore for the fiscal year 2025-26, according to the Free Press Journal. This figure represents a 20.73% increase compared to the revised estimates for the previous year.[3]  The BEST transport division’s losses were covered by the more lucrative electricity division till 2017. But following a court order in November 2016, the cross-subsidy to the transport division came to halt.

Wet leasing: Contractualisation proposed to reduce losses

In 2018, BEST introduced wet leasing. Sudas Sawant, Public Relations Officer of BEST, explained that under the wet-leasing arrangement, contractors own and operate buses, and are also responsible for staff recruitment, fuel and maintenance of buses. In return, BEST pays the contractors a fixed amount per kilometre of transport.[4]

However, to the contrary, contractualiastion has led to further losses, along with an increase in accidents, poor and irregular service. The cost recovery index (according to annual operational and financial data of BEST) which was 2013-14 60 % has gone down to 25 % in 2022-23 (After introducing PPP model of wet leasing)

The memorandum submitted by the organisations clearly reveals the problem created by wet leasing.

2021 and 2022 – There was a justified strikes of wet-lease workers for the non-payment of wages in various depots, including Mumbai Central, Magathane, Kurla, Vikhroli, Wadala, and Bandra. This caused hundreds of buses at a time to be taken off the roads and led to widespread suffering by commuters. In September 2022 the BEST general manager himself sent a letter to the MP group of contractors reprimanding them for the frequent strikes by staff and for the frequent breakdowns.

2022 and 2023 – Due to improper maintenance, there were fires in a number of buses, including in Bandra, Andheri and Kandivali. As a result, in February 2023 the BEST management took 400 wet leased buses off the roads, again resulting in distress for commuters.

August 2023 – Again a massive justifiable strike of BEST wet-lease workers was called –workers ‘employed’ by different contractors– for various demands including a living wage. Over 1,000 buses were off the roads for seven days, disrupting the life of the city. The workers ended the strike on some assurances by the Government, but these were not fulfilled.

Of the 2,100 electric buses to be supplied by the private contractor Evey to BEST by August 2023, only 185 were supplied, a year after the deadline.

The real purpose behind Contractualisation: Selling family silver

The BEST did not diminish itself; it was deliberately done in.

In 2011-12, it was a proud public utility with a fleet of 4,700 buses ferrying 4.2 million a day. By 2023, its fleet was barely 2,964 with 3.5 million commuters; importantly, less than a third of the fleet was owned and operated by the BEST as the wet lease model took hold. In May 2025, only a fifth of the 2,600 buses were owned by the organization. The BEST-owned bus fleet has dipped to its lowest-ever at 795 buses. With 60-70 buses being phased out every month, the fleet will become zero this year or by early next year.[5]

The memorandum submitted by the organisations’ states that:

“The wet-lease model has already proved to be an unmitigated failure for BEST. Even with a largely privatised fleet, the transport division recorded a loss of Rs 2,160.17 crore in 2022–23. This model has also imposed social costs—ranging from service breakdowns and accidents to increased wait times and falling ridership,”

“Private contractors often compromise on safety and maintenance to boost profits. The result: more breakdowns, bus fires, and fatal accidents. Drivers are overworked, underpaid, and frequently untrained, putting passengers at risk. The experience of wet leasing has been negative for both commuters and workers. Fares have surged without delivering any tangible benefits. Service quality has deteriorated, especially in low-income areas. Long routes have been cut, leaving passengers stranded and forcing them to switch buses or transport modes—raising commute time and costs,”

The cumulative losses of BEST stand at around Rs 9,300 crore.[6] To make good, the organisation intends to sell or pawn its family silver – land parcels totalling more than 126 hectares, some at prime locations, across Mumbai. Back in 2017, incidentally when the privatisation began, international consultants PwC had valued the land at Rs 5,170 to Rs 6,160 crore, citizens’ groups point out. A few of its 27 bus depots have been monetised. Commercial developers have constructed plush towers; Mumbai got nothing from the public land. In a city rapidly privatising land, this fits the larger agenda.[7]

Complete disregard for Public Transport: complete lack of planning or feasibility studies

Local Railway

The average number of daily commuters on the western, central and harbour lines stood at 7.06 million[8]. In local railways due to massive overcrowding, nearly 7 persons get killed and another 7 persons, on an average, are injured daily.[9] There has been no attempt to improve the signalling system or introduce additional lines for local trains.

On June 9, 2025, near Mumbra five commuters lost their lives, when two overcrowded two trains passed each other in opposite direction.[10]  As a knee jerk reaction, Central Railway wants 800 Mumbai offices to change their work hours: Changing office timings will make it possible to manage crowds and make train journey of Mumbaikars safer, CR’s letter says[11]

Introduction of AC local trains: added disaster

Currently, CR operates 66 air-conditioned local train services in the Mumbai suburban section on weekdays, out of a total of 1,810 suburban services.

In a recent affidavit submitted to the High Court by Central Railways, highlights that the introduction of AC trains has led to a reduction in the capacity to run similar trains for similar destinations compared to non-AC trains. The affidavit further states that the door-closing and opening process of AC trains takes additional time, reducing the number of trains that can be operated on the same route.[12] Due to time constraints many non-AC commuters are forced to travel in AC trains and according to July 9, 2025 Loksatta, the railways have fined such commuters in just last 8 months to the tune of 63 lakhs. 

Unplanned introduction of Electric bikes: No feasibility study undertaken

In clear indication of shirking the responsibility of providing affordable public transport, the State government has given green signal to private two wheelers taxis, adding further to traffic vows.  On July 4, the state government notified the Maharashtra Bike-Taxi Rules, 2025, clearing the way for app-based aggregators to begin operations.[13]

Using public money and providing all the transport facilities at no cost to the richest of the city and country.

The Coastal road which is 8-lane, 29.2 km long road, which is developed at the cost of 13000-14000 crores, serves only private vehicles and taxis. Ordinary people availing public transport cannot use it. Still such an enormous amount of money is poured into it.

The Samruddhi Mahamarg expressway project in Maharashtra is estimated to have cost ₹55,000 crore. This 701-kilometer expressway aims to significantly reduce travel time between Mumbai and Nagpur, cutting it from 16 hours to approximately 8 hours. Western Dedicated Freight Corridor. Furthermore, some districts throughout the Expressway will receive easy access to Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust. It is also being promoted by Adani Reality.

The estimated cost for the Western Dedicated Freight Corridor (WDFC) is Rs 72,000 crore. This project is part of a larger nationwide logistics overhaul, with the total cost of the Dedicated Freight Corridor (DFC) project estimated at Rs 1.24 lakh crore. The WDFC connects Khurja to Jawaharlal Nehru Port in Maharashtra.

The “Shaktipeeth Expressway,” a proposed 802 km, six-lane, access-controlled expressway, estimated to cost ₹86,300 crore, aims to connect Nagpur with Patradevi on the Goa border, traversing 12 districts. This route is designed to facilitate the trade of Goa’s coal and minerals for two industrialists, Mr. Ambani and Mr Adani, to allow them to exploit the abundant minerals found in Konkan.  Farmers are protesting, fearing displacement and loss of fertile agricultural land. But the project is still on.

Development of Metros at enormous cost: non-affordable transport

Mumbai’s first-ever underground Metro is expected to begin operations in a phased manner starting in October, according to state agency officials. The Rs 37,276 crore project is likely to become fully operational in 2025.[14]

Mumbai’s metro network is set for a major expansion with MMRDA’s Rs. 10,970 crore budget for FY 2025–26.[15]

Mumbai’s Metro, once seen as the key to solving the transport chaos of the sprawling metropolis, is faltering with low ridership, high costs and poor integration — demanding a seamless approach to transform urban mobility[16]

Metro tickets ranging from Rs 10 to Rs 60 for a trip, with no season ticket subsidy is not an affordable mode of transport foe majority of working people in Mumbai.

The BEST buses constitute an essential and vital public service that keeps Mumbai moving and urgently needs to be supported through budgetary grants. Public transport must not be run for profit. Measures to improve efficiency and financial sustainability should serve the objective of increasing ridership, and not undermine it. Fare hikes, privatisation and land sales are ruinous for Mumbai and its common citizens.

(The author is an activist with Aamchi Mumbai Aamchi Best, a citizens network)

[1] https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/mumbai/best-daily-ridership-drops-10-as-officials-fear-more-may-migrate-to-other-modes/articleshow/121170354.cms

[2] https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/mumbai-news/brihanmumbai-municipal-corporation-presents-rs-74-427-crore-budget-for-202526-101738660999780.html

[3] https://www.financialexpress.com/budget/bmc-budget-2025-live-updates-mumbai-municipal-budget-2025-allocations-for-all-sectors-3736971/#:~:text=As%20of%20December%2031%2C%202024,revised%20estimate%20for%202024%2D25.

[4] https://citizenmatters.in/mumbai-public-transport-best-bus-contract-issues/

[5] https://questionofcities.org/mumbais-best-is-being-killed-the-political-will-to-revive-it-is-absent/

[6] https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/mumbai-news/bests-losses-mount-from-6-400-crore-to-9-200-crore-in-2-years-101732821142988.html

[7] https://questionofcities.org/mumbais-best-is-being-killed-the-political-will-to-revive-it-is-absent/

[8] https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/mumbai-news/suburban-railway-ridership-inches-back-to-pre-pandemic-levels-101730056826516.html

[9] https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/mumbai-news/7-people-lose-their-lives-on-railway-tracks-in-mumbai-every-day-101749496588283.html

[10] https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/mumbai-news/mumbra-train-incident-accident-exposes-deadly-commuting-crisis-on-central-railway-101750531475489.html

[11] https://www.news18.com/cities/central-railways-requests-800-mumbai-offices-to-change-work-hours-to-reduce-crowding-on-trains-ws-kl-9427653.html

[12] https://www.freepressjournal.in/mumbai/mumbai-ac-local-trains-reduce-capacity-for-additional-services-in-suburban-section-cr-affidavit-reveals

[13] https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/mumbai/electric-bike-taxis-now-legal-in-maharashtra-heres-what-the-rules-say-10114038/

[14] https://www.business-standard.com/india-news/mumbai-s-first-under-ground-metro-to-start-partial-operations-next-week-124092501001_1.html

[15] https://railanalysis.in/rail-news/mmrda-allocates-around-rs-10970-crore-for-metro-projects-in-fy-2025-26-budget/

[16] https://thesecretariat.in/article/metro-is-falling-short-mumbai-needs-multi-modal-transit

Related:

Citizens and experts rally to save Mumbai’s BEST buses from privatisation pitfalls

BEST strike over Diwali bonus shakes Mumbai’s Bus Service, reveals growing transit strain

Citizens take a stand to keep Aamchi BEST alive

The post Mumbai’s Second Lifeline in ICU: Mumbaikars respond to call of “Save BEST” appeared first on SabrangIndia.

The post Mumbai Walks for Peace | Citizens Unite Against Hate appeared first on SabrangIndia.

The common tone suggested that there is a desperate need to restore, improve, and expand the BEST bus service now seriously threatened by government neglect. The BEST bus service is a low hanging fruit, it requires little investment, it should be supported, it carries millions of people said Rahul Kadri.

The topic was Who is the City for. Very relevant and seldom is this crucial question raised, addressed. The obvious answer is the government needs to give top priority to common people but that is exactly what the authorities are not doing.

The very first question raised by a student after the panel discussion, was from Nikhil Padhan, a fourth year student, pointed to the car centric urban planning which needs to change the general tone I have been hearing at several such meetings is that people are really frustrated by the authorities’ pro-builder, anti-people policies.

All these voices yesterday were independent, genuine. A general complaint I heard was ‘we do not even have proper space to walk’ and cross the road and here we are bombarded by talk of fancy projects which have at best limited use for the common man.

The coastal road, as Rahul Kadri pointed out, serves only a few thousand motorists even as basic problems of millions remain ‘unattended.’ And the programme ended with a vigorous rendering of Maharashtra Geet in Marathi Garja Maharashtra Majha.

The gathering was not politically motivated at all. It began on a very traditional note with Saraswati Wandan. The invocation to the goddess of learning, Ya Kundendu Tushaar, stressing the importance of knowledge and the need to remove ignorance.

Since the programme was organised by the Constitutional Law Society of the college and public transport figured prominently in the discussion, I must mention that justice Hemant Gokhale, travelled by a local train to Vasai recently to felicitate social worker Manvel Tascano on his completing 75 years. Mr Gokhale had appeared as a lawyer years earlier for Tascano in cases pertaining to the green Vasai campaign and other issues.

It is best to make optimum use of public transport if we take it at least during off peak hours, when there is little rush.

(The author is a Mumbaikar and formerly senior journalist in The Times of India; this piece of writing is from the author’s Meta FB post)

The post Who is Mumbai for? Students and Mumbaikars ponder the question appeared first on SabrangIndia.

This letter petition has been signed by over 540 residents of the cosmopolis.

The text of the letter petition may be read here:

June 11, 2024

To,

1. Municipal Commissioner,
Municipal Commissioner of Greater Mumbai
Head Quarter, C.S.T. Mumbai – 400 001
mc@mcgm.gov.in / dmc.mc@mcgm.gov.in

2. Government Railway Police, Mumbai /Mumbai Railway Police Commissionerate
Through Commissioner of Police, Railways, Mumbai
4th Floor, Area Manager Building, D. Mello road, Wadi Bandar,
Mumbai – 400010
cp.railways.mumbai@mahapolice.gov.in

Re:  Immediate removal of all illegal and unstable hoardings, signboards and electric signages in Mumbai district and strict action against offenders following the disastrous incident of the collapse of illegal hoarding at Ghatkopar on the evening of May 13, 2024, leading to the loss of 17 lives and causing serious injuries to several innocent people

And

Ensure strict compliance of the order dated June 7, 2024 passed by the Hon’ble Supreme Court directing you to ensure no hoarding collapse happens during monsoons

Dear Sirs,

We, concerned citizens, write this letter distressed by the series of incidents that have taken place in Mumbai, which point to gross negligence, criminal complicity and blatant failure on the part of the authorities to regulate and enforce proper checks on hoardings, billboards, signboards and electric signage’s in the city, seriously compromising the safety of citizens.

On May 13, 2024 in Ghatkopar, an illegal hoarding installed by a company Ego Media Pvt. Ltd., collapsed during a dust storm, leading to the death of 17 people, with 75 others sustaining injuries^[1]. More than 100 people were trapped under the hoarding which fell over a petrol pump, and the rescue operations conducted by the disaster response team lasted 66 hours^[2]. The Mumbai Crime Branch issued an official statement on May 22, 2024 informing that it has constituted a Special Investigation Team (SIT) with 6 police officers, to probe the hoarding collapse incident^[3].

The hoarding belonged to Ego Media Pvt. Ltd., an advertising agency owned by one Bhavesh Bhinde. Admittedly, the hoarding weighed 250 tonnes and had a size of 120ft x 120ft, 9 times above the limit of 40ft x 40 ft. prescribed by the Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai (MCGM). Moreover it was erected illegally without permission from MCGM, as the land was purported to be owned by the Maharashtra Government’s Police Welfare Association on a plot maintained by Government Railway Police (GRP). The MCGM in its statement has confirmed that it had not granted permission to the hoarding for 2 years. 3 notices had been issued to the defaulting company in respect of the hoarding, last being just a few hours before the collapse on May 13, 2024, where the MCGM had demanded payment of outstanding licence fees to the tune of Rs. 61.4 crores within 10 days and ordered removal of all hoardings^[4]. Bhavesh Bhinde, who has 21 criminal cases pending against him, was arrested on May 17, 2024 from Udaipur, Rajasthan^[5]. BMC Engineer, Manoj Sanghu, who issued the structural stability certificate for the hoarding, 2 months after it being put up, was arrested on June 1, 2024^[6]. He was allegedly on Ego Media Pvt. Ltd.’s monthly payroll and had not inspected the hoarding which was found to have a weak foundation. Pursuant to the same, on June 8, 2024, Janhavi Marathe, Ego Media’s director till November 2023 and Sagar Kumbhar, the civil contractor, who were absconding, were nabbed from a hotel in Goa^[7].

It is revealed that Ego Media, the defaulting company is a repeated offender that was fined for violations over 100 times^[8]. The MCGM actioned removal of 3 more illegal hoardings put up by the defaulting company around the vicinity of the Ghatkopar incident, and also called upon GRP to take down 8 more oversized and illegal hoardings put up by the defaulting company, and the unauthorized steel frames/structures of the hoardings were being dismantled^[9]. In fact more reports are emerging on the repeated violations by the accused owner, and the investigation has revealed that earlier companies established by him and his associates such as Slop Media, Gujju Ad Pvt. Ltd., Forty Band Com, Meadows Media and Gujju Ad Proprietors had also been blacklisted by the railways for financial misconduct^[10]. However, it is appalling that in spite of the multiple violations and illegalities committed by the defaulting company and its predecessors, the MCGM failed to take action against the company or to remove this illegal hoarding in 2 years. In fact it is apparent that the company was aided by the authorities to retain the hoarding despite it being a potential hazard. The inaction and collusion on the part of MCGM and its officials, constitutes a wilful act of complicity, and at the very least criminal negligence and dereliction of duty, resulting in an avoidable tragedy of massive proportions.

While initially the MCGM took a stand that the illegal hoarding stood on railway land, raising the question on how GRP permitted the putting up of the illegal hoarding in spite of the numerous notices issued by MCGM, it is now being claimed that the land belongs to the state government^[11]. The police had apparently sought clarifications and documents from the railways and state government to look into the matter of ownership of the land on which the hoarding was standing. It is now investigating how the MCGM was misled into believing it was railway land. Even the Maharashtra State Human Rights Commission has in its latest order noted that the submissions made on ownership and permission in the report submitted by the Dy. Commissioner of Police create more confusion on who is to be held responsible for according permission for installing the hoarding in question and has asked him as well as your offices to submit a detailed affidavit[12]. Be that as it may, it is pertinent to note here that the Bombay High Court in its judgement dated 21^st December 2017 passed in the matter of Union of India vs. MCGM and Others (Writ Petition No. 1648 of 2017), had directed the Railway authority to formulate a policy for regulating the hoardings on the railway properties, after taking into consideration various statutory provisions, so as to ensure that the hoardings are not erected in haphazard manner, that there is no overcrowding of the hoardings and that the safety of citizens is not endangered. Whether such a policy was formulated and if so, followed in the present case and to regulate hoardings put up across the city, also needs to be urgently looked into, especially considering the sheer number of hoardings standing on railway land across the city generating large amounts of revenue for the Central Government. While the MCGM and GRP are blaming each other for the incident, the common citizens are the ones exposed to unsafe conditions and suffering the adverse impact of their reckless acts. A thorough investigation is not only needed to unearth the role and complicity of MCGM and GRP officials in the lead up to this incident, but the issue of illegal and hazardous hoardings put up across the city, especially on railway land, which points to a larger scam.

The Maharashtra Government has announced ex-gratia compensation of Rs. 5,00,000/- for those killed in the incident^[13], which has been termed ‘shameful’ by the victims’ families^[14]. Apart from medical expenses, a compensation of Rs. 75,000/- for those with less than 60% disability and Rs. 2,50,000/- for those with more than 60% disability, has been announced for the injured. However, even as the compensation is grossly inadequate and the revenue generated from the hoardings is enormous, the MCGM, which is India’s richest civic body and is culpable for its acts and omissions in this incident, has failed to announce any compensation to the victims to date. Moreover, even the GRP which is also generating enormous revenue from the hoardings put up on railway land, has failed to announce any compensation to the victims. Meanwhile, the injured victims have not only lost their source of livelihood but are burdened with recurring medical costs, without support from the state or employers[15].

According to the Ministry of Earth sciences press release dated 1^st April 2024, the Indian Meteorological Department has warned of heavy rainfall in the north-western part of the country^[16]. The monsoons have started in Mumbai district. The city, which is already disaster-prone, is expecting high rainfall and there could be more storms and extreme weather events this monsoon. Hence, the chances of such incidents repeating is high, unless serious and prompt action is initiated by the MCGM to remove all unstable, oversized and illegal hoardings, billboards and signages across the city before the monsoons. It is further pertinent that the structural stability of the hoardings authorized by MCGM and standing as on date also be assessed, in light of the gross violations revealed pursuant to this case, and if found to be lacking, the permissions granted to them be revoked and the hoardings be removed immediately.

Apart from the Ghatkopar incident, the dust storm on May 13, 2024, had led to multiple other incidents in Wadala, Bandra etc. pointing to the increasing risk of multi-hazard events during monsoon. While the MCGM has called for action against illegal hoardings by removing them and has also called for structural audits of hoardings^[17], unauthorized, oversized and hazardous hoardings, billboards and signages remain standing across Mumbai city and in other districts across the state, posing serious risk of more such human-induced disasters. On the night of June 5, 2024, an illegally put up digital hoarding, which had been asked to be removed by MCGM, fell on a senior citizen in Malad, Mumbai, seriously injuring him^[18]. Meanwhile, at the onset of monsoon on June 8, 2024, a motorcyclist was killed in Ahmedpur, Latur district, as a signboard displaying directions fell on him amid strong winds^[19]. This only points to a systemic problem of illegal and unstable hoardings and signages being allowed or put up by the authorities, largely to benefit private entities and corporate interests, while putting the public at large at serious risk. The risk is multiplied in the case of digital/electric signages. On June 7, 2024, the Supreme Court of India, in the MCGM’s pending challenge to the Bombay High Court’s decision on the applicability of provisions relating to hoardings on railway land, directed the authorities to ensure that no hoarding collapse happens during monsoons^[20]. With the monsoons having started, the MCGM must ensure that no such incidents take place by taking prompt action against illegal and unstable hoardings, billboards and signages, to secure the safety of citizens.

We, accordingly, call upon you to forthwith –

1. Ensure strict compliance of the Supreme Court’s order dated June 7, 2024 to prevent future incidents of hoarding collapse, by taking prompt action against all illegal and unstable hoardings, billboards and signages across the city.
2. Survey and identify all the illegal, oversized and unstable hoardings, billboards and signages put up across Mumbai city, and remove them forthwith. Take all preventive measures, in coordination with the Disaster Management Authority, to ensure preparedness for multi-hazard events and to prevent future such human-induced disasters. Issue a public statement confirming that necessary action for removal of all illegal, oversized and unstable hoardings, billboards and signages has been taken by the authorities.
3. Impose exemplary penalty, fine and take appropriate action under law against all the offenders for putting up unauthorized and illegal hoardings, billboards and signages in Mumbai city.
4. Take prompt action against the defaulting companies / owners of illegal hoardings, billboards and signages, including Ego Media Pvt. Ltd., by permanently blacklisting the defaulters (including any new companies put up by the owners and their associates) from putting up hoardings or acquiring public work tenders. Recover the unpaid dues and fine/penalty imposed on Ego Media Pvt. Ltd. for its violations and take strict action against concerned officials of the company for their criminal acts.
5. Provide adequate compensation to the families of the deceased, to the injured victims and all those who have suffered losses in the Ghatkopar incident of hoarding collapse on 13^th May 2024, taking into account the economic loss suffered on account of life-long loss of livelihood and to their means of livelihood such as taxis, auto rickshaws etc., personal loss, recurring medical costs, trauma, grave nature of the tragedy and the enormous revenues earned from these illegal and unstable hoardings.
6. Ensure appropriate compensation to the deceased and injured workers of petrol pump from the owners and the labour office of the government, as the worker was killed and others injured at their workplace.
7. Conduct a thorough and independent investigation into the matter to identify erring officials of MCGM, GRP and all concerned officials / bodies responsible for the tragedy. Investigate any corrupt practices in place that have contributed to this incident and the putting up of illegal hoardings across the city. Initiate strict prosecution against all erring officials, including the top decision-makers, for their complicity /negligent acts.
8. Appoint appropriate government authority to carry out regular structural audits of hoardings across the city. Furthermore, MCGM and Railways should review existing guidelines in respect of hoardings, billboards, signages etc. and issue strict guidelines for structural stability of such hoardings based on the wind speeds, rainfall and other environmental factors and climate considerations, and ensure proper implementation of the same, with frequent monitoring and review.

Yours sincerely,

Signatories

C.C. To. :

1. Chief Minister, Maharashtra

2. Chairperson, District Disaster Management Authority (Mumbai City)

^[1] https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/mumbai-hoarding-collapse-death-toll-rises-to-17-sit-to-probe-ghatkopar-incident-101716353755417.html

^[2] https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/another-shocking-video-of-mumbai-hoarding-collapse-surfaces-billboard-may-16-2024-latest-updates-101715847891936.html

^[3] https://www.livemint.com/news/mumbai-hoarding-collapse-crime-branch-forms-sit-to-probe-ghatkopar-incident-leads-searches-in-bhavesh-bhindes-house-11716354750440.html

^[4] https://www.financialexpress.com/india-news/mumbai-billboard-collapse-no-action-despite-bmc-issuing-three-notices-to-ego-media-agency-latest-on-the-day-it-fell-down/3488418/

^[5] https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/mumbai/billboard-co-chief-held-from-rajasthan-dgp-notice-to-ex-city-grp-head/articleshow/110189030.cms

^[6] https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/mumbai/bmc-engineer-manoj-sanghu-in-police-custody-for-approving-ghatkopar-hoarding/articleshow/110605470.cms

^[7] https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/mumbai/hoarding-collapse-sit-arrests-ex-ego-director-civil-contractor/articleshow/110831129.cms

^[8] https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/mumbai/ghatkopar-billboard-tragedy-hoarding-owner-fined-violations-100-times-bmc-police-9345881/lite/

^[9] https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/mumbai/hoardings-mumbai-taken-down-bmc-9343490/

^[10] https://www.mid-day.com/mumbai/mumbai-news/article/ghatkopar-hoarding-collapse-owner-of-collapsed-hoarding-linked-to-blacklisted-firms-23351309

^[11] https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/mumbai/ghatkopar-hoarding-collapse-grp-sit-accused-court-9381741/#:~:text=Railway%20officials%20recently%20confirmed%20to,of%20GRP%20and%20BMC%20officials.

[12] https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/mumbai/ghatkopar-hoarding-collapse-human-rights-panel-comes-down-heavily-on-home-dept-for-not-responding-to-summons-9384135/

^[13] https://www.freepressjournal.in/mumbai/ghatkopar-hoarding-collapse-cm-announces-5lakh-ex-gratia-75k-25-lakh-aid-for-injured

^[14] https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/mumbai/ghatkopar-hoarding-collapse-victims-families-furious-over-loss-say-rs-5-lakh-compensation-will-provide-little-succour/articleshow/110133983.cms

[15] https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/mumbai/ghatkopar-billboard-crash-victims-await-relief/articleshow/110885339.cms

^[16] https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2016857

^[17] https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/mumbai/mumbai-hoarding-collapse-bmc-turns-its-gaze-to-authorised-hoardings-too-seeks-structural-audits-9336129/

^[18] ​​https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/mumbai/senior-citizen-injured-as-hoarding-falls-on-him-fir-filed/articleshow/110778106.cms

^[19] https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/motorcyclist-killed-as-signboard-falls-on-him-amid-rains-in-maharashtra-cops-5851872#:~:text=Latur%2C%20Maharashtra%3A,Saturday%20evening%2C%20an%20official%20said.

^[20] https://www.livelaw.in/top-stories/supreme-court-ghatkopar-hoarding-collapse-mumbai-authorities-directed-to-ensure-no-untoward-incident-takes-place-259895

The post Remove illegal and unstable hoardings, signboards & electric signages immediately: Mumbaikars to BMC appeared first on SabrangIndia.

Mira Road was gripped with tension for days in the last week of January. The unsettling atmosphere was charged with fear after a group of young men on motorcycles, allegedly came and in a disruptive manner near local mosques. On the evening of January 22nd, people reportedly associated with Hindutva groups took to violence and started attacking Muslim owned shops and vehicles in the area. They engaged in stone-pelting, beating, and even arson in some cases. What followed this is reports that all those who faced action by the police were Muslim youth. A report by Scroll in the aftermath of the violence has stated that most of the stringent cases of law are filed against Muslims, while Hindus have faced charges for minor offences. Advocate Shahood Anwar, who is representing the shop owners, has stated according to Scroll that during the clashes about 22 shops owned by Muslims were subjected to vandalism. However, as of now, the police have not filed an FIR in any of these cases. 

Following the Mira Road incident, multiple incidents of public violence against Muslims took place in the city. 

Similarly, on January 20 a family who is based in Mumbai’s Chembur were returning home to be reportedly beaten up and harassed by a right-wing mob and forced to say Jai Sri Raam at Mumbai’s Panvel railway station. Upon taking their reserved seats, the survivor recounted how approximately 30-40 young men started a chorus of Jai Shri Ram slogans around the family, which included two young girls. The family continued to maintain a composed state but the chanting got worse with more people joining in and shouting “Mere Bharat Ka Bachha Bachha Jai Shri Ram Bolega.” The father of the family later tried to lodge a complaint, however it was reported that while at the station a BJP leader was present who demanded him to withdraw his complaint and instead, despite being subject of harassment, he says he himself has been booked by the police. 

Furthermore, on January 22nd, a similar incident unfolded near Mira Road in Mumbai, where a Muslim man found himself forced to get off from his bike and chant ‘Jai Sri Ram’ after a mob attacked him. The incident was caught on camera and went viral on social media. 

In a separate incident in Byculla, two Muslim youth reportedly were assaulted and, again, forced into chanting ‘Jai Sri Ram.’ The harrowing video of the crime was uploaded on social media and shows the two people who are visibly injured and bleeding, and are trying to talk about the traumatic looking very shocked. Some reports also alleged that there were women present at the scene who were also harassed, including a minor. 

 BJP politicians seem to be central in the controversy of anti-Muslim sentiments. In Mumbai’s Mira Road too, local MLAs Geeta Jain and Nitesh Rane reportedly tried to lead a Hindutva rally in the affected areas after the violence took place. They even gave the police an ‘ultimatum’ to let them conduct a rally as well. Rane even tweeted during the tense period, a part of which said “chun chun ke maarenge.”

Furthermore, almost two weeks after the incident, Rane was witnessed in Govandi’s Shivaji Nagar at Hindutva rally which was marked with reports of aggressive anti-Muslim slogans., such as “Band karo, band karo, Love-jihad band karo,” and “Tu Durga ban, tu kali ban, kabhi na burqe wali ban.”

Addressing the media, Nitesh Rane delivered an incendiary statement and promised a similar result to what happened in Mira Road for the people of Shivaji Nagar. He asserted, “Shivaji Nagar will also have the bulldozer. The Hindu here is also not safe. All of our Mankur-Shivajinagar area is becoming a mini-Bangladesh. Today our Hindu samaj stepped on the streets. Today here, a huge number of ‘illegal’ Masjids and madarsa are created by land jihad, these should be removed. Otherwise, we will do whatever we can – with the government. What happened in Mira Road, will happen here too, the bulldozer will be deployed.”

In the year 2023, Indian Express reported that Maharashtra witnessed 50 Hindutva rallies in the state in a span of 3 months. A few of these rallies were also held in the neighbourhood of Mira Road which saw violence against Muslims this year. Several speakers seen at the rallies also reportedly called for an economic boycott of Muslims. As per the report, the BJP has distanced itself from these rallies, however, it notes that BJP MPs and MLAs were present in almost all of these rallies. This shows how the state, which includes the financial capital of India, Mumbai, seems to be catching with communalism as Hindutva groups raise efforts to communalise the state. 

 Related:

 BJP MLA Nitesh Rane leads Hindutva Rally in Govandi, demands demolition of “illegal Masjids and Madrasa”

Debunking Myths: A Critical Analysis of Hindu American Foundation’s Ram Temple Narrative

Around the inauguration of Ram Temple, communal tension erupted in Uttar Pradesh

The post Is Mumbai becoming a hotbed of hate? appeared first on SabrangIndia.

As per a report of the Hindustan Times, pursuant to the temporary halting on the demolitions, the residents returned to the site, where some buildings were found to be standing amongst the debris- saved by the protest. 

This action came after oral announcements regarding the impending demolitions had been made by the BMC on February 2, which were accompanied with assurances of rehabilitation albeit scarce details. When the bulldozers arrived at the now partly demolished site along with police protection on the morning of February 6, the residents were left unprepared. As per the report of Hindustan Times, resident Saira Abbas Shaikh alleged that the police were not letting the residents reach their houses. 

The demolitions:

At the beginning of this week, on February 7 and 8, BMC officers and workers started the demolition of “illegal” structures made of tin and bamboo in a colony in Panchsheel Nagar that had around 300 homes. In the aforementioned two days, BMC demolished around 200 structures, mostly occupied by Dalit, Buddhist, and Muslim families, many of whom claim to have been living there for over 20 years. According to a report of Maktoob media, even the houses marked safe in the project map, and despite promises made by Pujari, Assistant Engineer Maintenance of BMC, were not spared. As per the report, at least 13 such old houses and around 100 such newer houses were also demolished by the authorities, leading to the unjust displacement of families.

As per multiple media reports, the residents claimed that no prior notice was served to them in accordance to law and that the said demolition drive had been carried out in haste giving them no time to collect their belongings.

Multiple narratives provided by the residents found place in the report of the Hindustan Times that covered the said demolitions. As provided by resident Dilshad Ansari, “I had gone to drop my children to school when the demolition started. No one else was home. It was the same in many houses, as people had gone to work. The police asked us to vacate immediately, leaving us little time to take our belongings before crushing our homes with bulldozers.”

Although the BMC has demolished their homes to reclaim government land, the residents have asserted that they have been staying at their houses for more than 20 years. As per the Free Press Journal report, Jairam Lokhande, whose house was demolished on Tuesday stated, “I have lived in this area for 22 years and this is the fourth time BMC has demolished my house. We were at peace since no demolition had taken place in the last five years but this time they came suddenly with full power and destroyed everything.”

The protest:

On February 7, as per the report of the Free Press Journal, as the demolitions took place, residents of slums in Panchshil Nagar of Govandi had refused to leave the area. Rather, they decided to rebuild their homes at the same site. As per the report, they set up makeshift pandals at the entrance of the colony as a defence against any further demolition. 

It was claimed by the residents that the action undertaken by BMC was illegal as it violated the Maharashtra Slum Areas (Improvement, Clearance, and Redevelopment) Act, which mandates due process and rehabilitation for slum dwellers.

The call for protest was raised by the Jan Haq Sangharsh Samiti. Hundreds of residents reached the BMC office and staged a protest against the officers alleging the demolition to be illegal and not having been carried out in pursuance to the conduction of any survey. According to the residents and the activist organisation, most of the bastis in Panchsheel Nagar existed prior to the year 2011, making them eligible for paid rehabilitation. However, as provided by the organisation, the BMC failed to produce Annexure 2 of the list of eligible and ineligible houses before demolition, further exacerbating the disregard for due process. 

The incident has shed light on the deep-seated bias towards marginalized communities and the urgent need for accountability in urban development processes, the Jan Haq Sangharsh Samiti said. A press note had also been released by the Samiti on February 8. It has been provided by them that a total of 7 days has been given to the corporation to submit a written reply to complaint submitted by the protestors in reference to the demolitions. These demands raised by the residents and the organisation include stopping the demolitions till the proper procedure is done; restoring water and electricity connections; making a list of eligible and ineligible slum dwellers based on documents submitted; holding hearings in case of objections; and correct the incorrect data based on which demolitions were done. 

Vandana Tayde, a resident of Panchshil Nagar and the vice-president of Jan Haq Sangharsh Samiti provided to the Free Press Journal that, “This is not just demolition but a process of evacuation. We have to assert our right on this land we have been living on for decades and therefore we have advised everyone to start making their homes again because if we leave this place for a moment, it will be snatched from us.”

The protestors have asserted that if a proper reply is not given to them by the BMS, they will be back at the office to protest. 

The press note can be read here:

The protesting residents as well as the Samiti has also raised a call for social activists and lawyers to join their ongoing struggle against the state repression. Through the call, Jan Haqq Sangarsh Samiti has urged people to join their protest on February 10 between 3 pm to 6 pm. As per the information provided by them, the agenda behind the protest will be to- 

• Develop strategies against illegal and arbitrary use of power to evict people and bastis
• To build a support network against coercive actions of police on activists and basti leaders
• Demanding rights on multiple fronts (water, electricity, shelter etc) in cases of evictions across MMR.
• Building a network of such cases across MMR to support each other and create positive changes in the law.

Related:

Demolitions as retributive state policy used against minorities in India: Amnesty

Spate of Demolitions continue, 44 Muslim families asked to vacate homes: Kushinagar, UP

Maharashtra: Bulldozer Raj, tensions rise in Kolhapur’s Laxtirth Vasahat Colony after administration demolishes Madrasa under pressure from Hindutva organisations

Rajasthan: State Education Minister warns of bulldozer action against teachers

“Bulldozer raj” in Chhattisgarh too?

134 houses razed, two mosques next: “Bulldozer Justice” continues

Violence in Junagadh over demolition notice to dargah; 1 dead, several injured

The post Govandi slum demolition: Temporary halt after protests outside BMC office by residents, those rendered homeless to rebuild their homes at the same site appeared first on SabrangIndia.

Earlier, on January 22nd, one Muslim man was forced off his bike and made to chant Jai Sri Ram in Mumbai near Mira Road. According to the video, the injured have been taken to the hospital. 

Muslim youth allegedly beaten, and forced into chanting Jai Shri Ram near Mira Road, Mumbai, on January 22. pic.twitter.com/f2l2QX7tHe

— The Observer Post (@TheObserverPost) January 22, 2024

Former MLA from Byculla, AIMIM’s Waris Pathan has also shared a video of the incident. In the post on X, he has reportedly also shared a young girl was also molested by these goons at the incident and she is reportedly a minor of 15 years. He shared that MIM’s associated had taken the injured to the hospital after they helped diffuse the situation. Pathan has blamed provocative speeches given by BJP leaders. He has urged the Police Commissioner and Chief Minister of Maharashtra to take the issue seriously. 

मुंबई byculla में कल देर रात कुछ हिन्दुत्ववादी गुंडों ने इन मुस्लिम लड़कों को जबरन रोककर “JSR “ के नारे लगाने को कहा।नारे ना लगा ने पर इनको बुरी तरह मारा एक १५ साल की लड़की के साथ भी बथतमीज़ी की और मारा।
Aimim के लोगों ने फ़ौरन मौक़ा ए वारदात पर पहुँच कर मामले को शांत किया… pic.twitter.com/RZEhYyEPvZ

— Waris Pathan (@warispathan) January 31, 2024

Related

Historic 600 year old Delhi mosque demolished without notice

Four years behind bars, Sharjeel Imam still waits for a fair trial

Mira Road: Muslim youth allegedly beaten in custody, denied food as Nitesh Rane tells supporters, “The Government is with you.”

The post Mumbai, Maharashtra: Reports arrive of Muslim youth beaten, a young girl molested as goons force them to say Jai Sri Ram appeared first on SabrangIndia.

“It appears that several persons attended the peaceful prayer gathering on the Juhu beach. However, after the prayer gathering ended and the participants had dispersed, the Juhu police picked up 17 individuals around 10.30 a.m. [November 14]. They were taken to the police station and illegally detained there until 7 p.m. after which they were released,” said the statement, adding that four among those picked up by the police were minors who had been allowed to leave only at 4 p.m. after their parents were called.

The PUCL has stated that the detained individuals had gone immediately after the prayer gathering ended to collect posters that they had earlier voluntarily kept in the police cabin near the Juhu beach as it had been decided that the gathering was meant to be ‘silent’, without any posters or banners.

“The police present there, however, started questioning them and asked them to pose with the posters and placards and then photographed them. The police then told them they would escort them to the bus stop to ensure they leave safely. As they proceeded, they suddenly found that a police van had arrived. They were forcibly pushed into the van, detained and taken to the Juhu police station. The youngsters were frightened and many were crying,” said the PUCL statement, laying down the sequence of events.

According to PUCL, none of those detained were allowed to contact their parents or seek any legal help and call up a lawyer, condemning the police’s “gross violation of basic rights.”

“The 17th person to be picked up by the Juhu police was social activist Feroze Mithiborwala. He was picked up after the prayer gathering had ended and was made to remove posters from his bag, though he had never displayed any posters at the prayer gathering,” said the PUCL statement.

Condemning the police action as “excessive and arbitrary,” the statement said it was “a clear case of harassment.”

“Disturbingly, the attitude of the police was also intimidatory towards the young members of the minority community, especially the young girls, who had peacefully participated in a prayer gathering,” said the statement.

It censured the “arbitrary police action” which, in effect, had resulted in a complete restriction in Mumbai on public protests and peace gatherings “against the unprecedented violence and suffering faced by Palestinians, for which daily protests were taking place globally.”

The entire text of the statement may be read here:

Democracy demands that right to protest be protected not punished!

“People’s Union for Civil Liberties (PUCL) Maharashtra expresses grave alarm and concern at the increasing trend of criminalising public protest or any form of public expression on social issues and deplores the manner in which police in Mumbai speedily lodge cases against those participating in such democratic events. Especially in the context of the ongoing Israeli war on Palestine resulting in civilian deaths, the Mumbai police has in effect imposed a de facto ban on any form of peaceful public protest by citizens demanding an end to the violence, including the holding of peace gatherings and prayer meetings, even candlelight vigils in public places like the Azad Maidan. In no other part of India do we see this sort of obstruction to the right to protest, as is being seen in Mumbai.

“The recent example of the First Information Report (FIR) lodged by Juhu police under sections 37 (1), 37 (3) and 135 of the Maharashtra Police Act (MPA) against 13 individuals, 11 of whom are students, on November 14, 2023, for alleged violation of prohibitory orders, is a case in point. All of them were picked up on November 14, 2023, after they responded to a multi-city call emanating from an Instagram account ‘solidarity movement’, to observe Children’s Day in India with a quiet prayer recital of the names of children who were killed in Palestine. It appears that several persons attended the peaceful prayer gathering at Juhu beach. However, after the prayer gathering ended and participants had dispersed, Juhu police picked up 17 individuals at around 10.30 a.m. They were taken to Juhu police station and illegally detained there until 7.00 pm when they were released. 4 of them who were underage youth (2 boys and 2 girls), were allowed to leave only at 4 p.m. and their parents were called. PUCL Maharashtra has learnt that of the 17 individuals – all from the minority community, picked up by the Juhu Police, 16 individuals being 4 minors, 11 students and 1 mother of a student, had gone immediately after the prayer gathering ended to collect the posters that they had earlier voluntarily kept in the police cabin near the beach as it was decided that the gathering was meant to be silent i.e. without any posters or banners. The police present there however started questioning them and asked them to pose with the posters and placards and photographed them.

“The police then told them they will escort them to the Bus Stop to ensure they leave safely. As they proceeded under the directions of the police, suddenly they found a police van had arrived and they were forcibly pushed into the van, detained and taken to the Juhu Police Station. The youth were frightened and many were crying. At the police station, none of them were allowed to contact their parents or seek any legal help and call up a lawyer. All this is in clear gross violation of their basic legal rights. The 17th person picked up by the Juhu Police was social activist Firoz Mithiborwala. He too was picked up by Juhu police after the prayer gathering had ended and was also made to remove posters from his bag, though he had never displayed any posters at the prayer gathering. But the police were not willing to listen to any reason.

“In this manner, the 13 people illegally detained were finally released only at 7.00 pm on November 14, 2023, after being served with notices. They were asked to return the next day i.e. on November 15, 2023 at 11.00 am to submit their Aadhar Card xerox copy and 2 photographs. Then, on that day, the rest were allowed to leave by around 1.00 pm, but Feroze Mithiborwala was detained there till 6.30pm once again, when he was extensively questioned. Clearly, the police action was excessive and arbitrary, and this is a clear case of police harassment. Disturbingly, the attitude of the police was also intimidatory towards the young members of the minority community, especially the young girls, who had peacefully participated in a prayer gathering for peace.

“The youth were asked to provide all their personal details and their parents were later summoned to the police station. Activist Firoz Mithiborwala was repeatedly questioned whether he had organised the meeting, despite his repeated denial that he had only come in response to an online call and knew none of the youth involved. Even a copy of the FIR was only provided to them after an application from their lawyers. There was no occasion or ground for the police to file an FIR, that too selectively against the 13 people after the peaceful gathering had dispersed and when there was no disturbance to public order or violation of law. Moreover, in any event, none of the 13 people were involved in organizing the event but had only responded to a humane call on social media for the prayer gathering.

“Right to protest is a fundamental right of citizens guaranteed under the Indian Constitution and essential to our democracy. However, the increasing number of such instances show that the right to protest of citizens is not only being infringed upon, but even attempting to assemble peacefully in Mumbai is being met with harsh and intimidatory police action and criminal sanctions, creating an atmosphere of fear in which democracy cannot thrive or find expression.

“There has been continuous imposition of prohibitory orders under Section 37 (1) and (3) of the MPA, thereby providing ground to the police to criminalise peaceful gatherings and protests, and to selectively restrict protests. Meanwhile, most applications / intimations to the police for holding protests by citizens’ groups and civil society organisations are being denied and met with sanctions, including the peace gatherings and anti-war public protests on the ongoing Israeli war on Palestine. The police has been serving notices under Section 149 of the Criminal Procedure Code, 1973 (CrPC) to the applicants/organisers while denying permission to protest and the applicants/organisers have also on occasion been put under preventive detention under Section 151 of the CrPC. Just last month, the Mankhurd Police had arrested two young Mumbai activists and charged them under Section 353 and 332 of the Indian Penal Code, among other offences for violation of prohibitory orders under Section 144 of the CrPC and Section 37 of the MPA, and also detained 4 persons under Section 151 of the CrPC, in connection with a protest against the Israeli government’s ongoing violent attacks impacting civilians in Palestine. It is unfathomable that the arbitrary police action has in effect resulted in a complete restriction in Mumbai on public protests and peace gatherings against the unprecedented violence and suffering faced by Palestinians, for which daily protests are taking place globally and even in other states in the country calling for ceasefire. Infact, it is even more shocking that public demonstrations calling for an end to the ongoing violence in Palestine are being penalized in such fashion, considering India’s own history of freedom struggle from colonial rule and its long-standing recognition of the statehood of Palestine and the self-determination struggle of Palestinians.

“PUCL Maharashtra expresses concern on the misuse of penal law against peaceful protestors, thereby criminalizing and silencing voices of democratic expression and dissent. PUCL Maharashtra demands that the FIR lodged against the 13 civilians by Juhu police on November 14, 2023 be dropped forthwith and that the constitutional right of citizens to protest and to give peaceful expression to their views or feelings be protected.

“Besides, PUCL Maharashtra notes with distress, that there appears to be a concerted attempt to silence peaceful protests against war and violence. PUCL Maharashtra demands an end to the excessive, continuous and restrictive imposition of prohibitory orders under Sec 144 of the CrPC and Section 37 of the MPA. These orders, ostensibly issued to maintain public order, actually result in a curb on the constitutional right to public protest or gatherings and instead facilitate the criminalization of peaceful and democratic protests. This creates a chilling effect, amounts to censorship and is against the fundamental right to freedom of speech and expression, association and assembly. PUCL Maharashtra reiterates its demand that the legitimate right of citizens to protest be protected fiercly in the interest of our nation which is built on the fulcrum of that very right.*

The statement has been issued by Mihir Desai, President Lara Jesani, General Secretary PUCL Maharashtra.

Related:

“Don’t pray for Palestine,” Delhi Police reportedly warns mosque imams

Withdraw FIRs filed against protestors for participating in pro-Palestine protests: PUCL

The post Mumbai police’s FIR against individuals at prayer gathering commemorating children killed in Palestine condemned: PUCL appeared first on SabrangIndia.

October 23, 2023, Delhi

The Telegraph reported that students from JNU, Jamia Millia Islamia and Delhi University detained as they try to hold protest near Israeli embassy and police had erected barricades to stop them from reaching the embassy at Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Road. The report detailed that scores of students from JNU, Jamia Millia Islamia and Delhi University had gathered to take part in the protest. Police had erected barricades to stop them from reaching the embassy at Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Road. When some of the students tried to march towards the embassy, they were detained as they did not have the required permission to hold the protest, said a police officer, adding that “no one was allowed to violate law and order”.  All India Students Association (AISA) Delhi unit president Abhigyan said several students were detained and taken to a police station.

October 21, Mumbai

This protest reported on social media from Mumbai took place on October 21.

Mumbai, India
Another big protest was organized in Mumbai in solidarity with Palestine.

Free Free Palestine pic.twitter.com/U4B8T2DJ4W

— زماں (@Delhiite_) October 21, 2023

October 17, 2023

In Delhi, again, the state police, along with the Rapid Action Force had, on October 17, detained two busloads of protesters who came for a “Citizens’ Vigil” against Israel’s offensive on Gaza.

Kashmir

On the two Fridays (October 20 and before that October 13) since the war began, Muslims were barred from offering prayers at Jamia Masjid in Srinagar, Kashmir. Police closed down the iconic masjid, apprehending protests in support of Palestine. Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, the chairman of the All Parties Hurriyat Conference, who was recently allowed to offer Friday prayers and deliver the Friday sermon at Jama Masjid, was once again put under house arrest on October 15 and is not being allowed to step out of his house, The Wire has reported.

October 15-18, 2023, Mumbai

While the Indian Express reported that two activists say cops beat them up during protest against Israel that took place on October 13, police has denied the accusation and claimed that the protesters “assaulted” policemen. The Mankhurd police Friday night arrested two young activists who were protesting against the Israeli government. 

Police also allegedly beat up one of them in custody. While the two protesters were arrested, others were booked. The arrested activists were identified as Ruchit Lad, 28, an architect from Mulund, and Supreeth Ravish, 26, a teacher from Mankhurd (arrested under sections 353 and 332 and sections of rioting under IPC). Both are activists of Revolutionary Workers Party of India (RWPI). According to Mankhurd police, RWPI had planned to organise a protest in Matunga-Dadar area in connection with the Israel-Palestine clash. But, as they were not allowed, Supreeth and Ruchit on Friday, October 13, evening held placards in Lallubhai compound area in Mankhurd and protested against the Israel government. Other youths soon joined them.

It was when the youths were produced before the court thereafter that Ruchit –one of them–alleged that he was assaulted in the police station. “The magistrate recorded the statement of Ruchir and ordered for medical to be conducted and the report be made available Monday. The application for police custody was rejected and the activists were remanded to judicial custody,” said advocate Shahbuddin Shaikh, who represented the two accused to the IE.

Meanwhile the TISS Students’ Union in a press statement issued thereafter stated that it stands in solidarity with the two activists who have been detained by the Mankhurd Police following a peaceful protest against Israel’s violence in Palestine. The Students’ Union of TISS Mumbai stated that it stands in “unwavering solidarity and condemns, in the strongest terms, the recent arrests of two dedicated Mumbai activists, Supreeth our alumnus (MASW – PH, 2018) and Ruchir, by the Mankhurd Police. Supreeth and Ruchir were detained in the wake of their participation in a protest against the Israeli government’s ongoing violence on civilians in Palestine.” The statement also says that “the charges filed against these activists, including sections 353 and 332 of the Indian Penal Code, in addition to other related sections such as those for alleged violations of section 144 of the Criminal Procedure Code and section 37 of the Maharashtra Police Act, are a source of significant concern. The misuse of these provisions is particularly troubling when applied to peaceful protestors and civilians. Such abuse poses a serious risk to the suppression of democratic voices and individuals advocating for justice and accountability. “The statement also points out that such actions are a violation of article 19(1)(b) and it must be vigorously protected in the interest of our nation and its welfare. 

Meanwhile in Pune, October 13, even as the war between Israel and Palestinian militant outfit Hamas is on, various organisations in Pune came out in support of Palestine on October 13. 

Activists of the Revolutionary Workers’ Party of India, New Socialist Alternative, Naujawan Bharat Sabha, Stree Mukti League, with support from Indian Christian Womens’ Movement and Disha Vidyarthi Sanghtna staged protest at the Pune District Collectorate against the “colonial occupation of Palestine by Zionist Israel”.  According to reports in The Indian Express, protesters condemned Israel by shouting slogans of “Palestine Zindabad” and were holding several banners like “Death to Zionist Occupation, Death to Imperialism”, “From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free!” They also distributed pamphlets, which claimed that the October 7 attack on Israel from Gaza was in self-defence of Palestinian citizens. “We do not support the Hamas ideology. But we support the Palestinian freedom movement,” it stated.

A delegation of protesters thereafter submitted a letter to Resident Deputy Collector Jyoti Kadam. “PM Modi is supporting Israel in the ongoing war. We condemn it. We demand that our government end all ties with Israel and stands by Palestine,” said Parmeshwar Jadhav of RWPI, part of the delegation. He told the media, “Some of our activists faced detentions by police in Mumbai, Delhi and in Andhra Pradesh. We demand their immediate release,” said Jadhav. He said no activists in Pune were detained.

 October 9, 2023, UP

First, in response to the Israel-Gaza war, several students of the Aligarh Muslim University took out a rally on October 9. This peaceful rally, organised as an expression of solidarity with Palestinians, saw four students in trouble as the police booked them under Sections 153 A (promoting enmity between different groups on grounds of religion, race, place of birth, language, etc.), 188 (disobedience to order duly promulgated by public servant), and 505(statements inducing public mischief) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC). 

The state chief minister, Ajay Bisht aka Yogi Adityanath, soon after the AMU protest, directed the police to take “stern action” against actions or social media posts in support of Palestine. According to a report in the Deccan Herald, senior district police officials have been told to speak to the Muslim clerics and make it clear that “any attempt to incite passion on social media or a similar call from the religious places will not be tolerated”.

A cop, belonging to the Muslim community, posted in Lakhimpur Kheri district in Uttar Pradesh, had merely shared a pro-Palestine post on social media. Within days, he was suspended from duty and an additional superintendent of police rank officer was appointed to carry out an inquiry about the constable and “his political inclination”. 

In similar incidents, the police in Kanpur booked two young Muslim clerics, Suhail Ansari and Atif Chowdhary, for posting content in support of Palestine on social media. While Ansari was arrested, the police raided Chowdhary’s residence.

Background

Irrespective of which parties dominate the government is in power and what the political party’s stand has been on the ongoing conflict in West Asia, protestors in many states are facing criminal action for acts of “unlawful assembly” to promote “enmity between two groups”. India’s position on West Asia – reiterated by the Narendra Modi government – on the Israel-Palestine conflict is that it supports a “negotiated solution resulting in a sovereign, independent, viable and united State of Palestine, within secure and recognised borders, at peace beside Israel as endorsed in the relevant UNSC and UNGA Resolutions”.

It is the right to protest peacefully however which is guaranteed but appears in many instances to have been denied.

Ironically even in Congress-ruled Karnataka, the police’s actions were no different than UP, Delhi or Mumbai.

The police from the Cubbon Park jurisdiction in Bengaluru booked 11 persons, including a member of the Bahutva Karnataka (a citizen’s group), and other unnamed people for holding a solidarity gathering in support of Palestine on MG Road. While the police haven’t booked them for “promoting enmity”, the sections applied are largely for gathering without permission and for “public nuisance”. 

Related:

New York, Chicago, Madrid, Athens, Sydney, Paris, the people march for #Palestine

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In a video appearing on Twitter on the August 20, 2023, the victim can be seen speaking as he lies grievously injured in a hospital bed. Shahid, the young victim, summoned the physical strength to recount the terrifying events that transpired on what was supposed to be an ordinary evening. The incident, which took place in the bustling streets of Ghatkopar, unfolded with a chilling sequence of events.

Location: Ghatkopar, Mumbai, Maharashtra

A Muslim pizza delivery boy was brutally attacked and subjected to anti-Muslim slurs by a group of far-right goons. pic.twitter.com/PZ6j273ZED

— HindutvaWatch (@HindutvaWatchIn) August 19, 2023

A group of men called Shahid to a corner under the guise of asking for a lighter. Suspecting nothing out of the ordinary, Shahid proceeded. He was called ‘Aurangzeb ki aulaad‘ after which they hit him from the back and started a relentless assault. He says they tried to force him into saying the names of “some deities”, however he didn’t say them and they proceeded to beat him brutally with sticks and hands.  Without warning, the situation escalated into a violent frenzy. Shahid, taken by surprise, was struck from behind with a force that left him disoriented. The assailants launched into a relentless barrage of blows, causing Shahid to fear for his life. Shahid also stated that they first called him to as a corner and began asking his name. After the assault, the four attackers ran away.

According to Free Press Journal, using CCTV footage and witness accounts, the police has arrested 4 men. While the family noes it to be an incident of a communal nature, the senior police inspector of Pant Nagar station, refuted such claims, saying that all were under the influence of alcohol and it was a ‘light matter’.

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