Mumbai: The Bombay High Court today gave a
green signal to the Mumbai International Marathon by refusing
to grant a stay.
The marathon will be held in Mumbai on January 17.
Alka Shah, a resident of south Mumbai, filed a Public
Interest Litigation (PIL) alleging that it would cause a great
deal of inconvenience to the ordinary citizens as roads will
be closed.
However, the division bench of Justices F I Rebello and J
H Bhatia held that the case was "not fit for granting interim
relief."
The court adjourned the matter for four weeks, asking
organiser Procam and the civic authorities to file their
replies.
The court noted that even senior citizens and physically
handicapped persons would be running in the marathon, and
"petitioners` rights have to be balanced with the rights of
those who are participating in the event".
Apart from the issue of inconvenience, the petition also
alleges that organisers did not pay the money they owe to the
municipal corporation from last year`s marathon.
However, Procam lawyer stated that it had sought a review
of its dues, and municipal corporation is currently
considering its application.
PTI
