Bombay HC Dismisses PIL Challenging Mumbai-Thane Tunnel Project, Slams Petitioner’s Conduct
- Posted on March 18, 2025
- News
- By Arijit Dutta
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The Bombay High Court dismissed journalist Ravi Prakash’s PIL challenging the Mumbai-Thane tunnel project awarded to MEIL, criticising his concealment of facts and inappropriate social media remarks against the judiciary. Although deeming his actions contemptuous, the court opted not to initiate proceedings since the offensive posts were later removed.
The Bombay High Court on Tuesday dismissed a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) challenging the awarding of a ₹16,600 crore road tunnel project contract between Mumbai and Thane to Megha Engineering Infrastructure Ltd (MEIL). The court strongly criticised the petitioner, journalist V Ravi Prakash, for failing to approach the judiciary with integrity, accusing him of hiding crucial details and making inappropriate comments on social media about the court.
The PIL had alleged irregularities and fraud concerning bank guarantees submitted by MEIL to secure the contract from the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA). The petitioner had requested cancellation of the awarded contract and sought a thorough Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) inquiry into alleged fraudulent activities.
During proceedings, both MEIL and the Maharashtra government questioned the PIL's validity, asserting that the petitioner posted derogatory remarks targeting the judiciary on social media after filing the PIL. A bench comprising Chief Justice Alok Aradhe and Justice Bharati Dangre remarked that individuals filing PILs should possess not only honest intentions but also a sincere objective and transparent motive.
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Further highlighting that the petitioner intentionally suppressed ongoing litigation between himself and MEIL, the court ruled that Ravi Prakash's conduct amounted to scandalising the judiciary. Although the court identified his tweets as inappropriate and constituting criminal contempt, they chose not to pursue contempt proceedings against him because he subsequently removed the controversial posts.
Consequently, the Bombay High Court dismissed the PIL outright without examining its merits due to the petitioner's failure to maintain judicial decorum and transparency.
