FPJ Legal: Doesn't look good on Mumbai Mayor Kishori Pednekar's part to point finger at judiciary, says Bombay HC

Mumbai: The Bombay High Court bench of Chief Justice Dipankar Datta and Justice Girish Kulkarni has called for a detailed transcript of the video of Mumbai Mayor's interview to a Marathi TV channel, wherein she allegedly blamed the judiciary for not being able to act against illegal constructions in the city. The bench has also sought a copy of the entire video.

The bench while hearing a suo motu PIL on illegal constructions was informed about the statement of Mayor Kishori Pednekar, who told a Marathi news channel that the BMC's hands are tied because of court orders and thus can't act against illegal constructions.

"We want to know why she made such a comment? How can she being a public authority blame another public authority (courts) in such times?" Chief Justice Datta questioned.

At this senior counsel Anil Sakhare for the BMC submitted that the Mayor had no intention to blame the judiciary for anything and that her statement was considered out of context.

"The media has run her quote out of context. She must be given an opportunity to explain as to in which context did she said so," Sakhare told the judges.

"Do let us know about it as it would be of no good of her blaming the judiciary. In fact, no hands are tied," the bench said, adding, "There is a liberty to the authorities to seek permission from this court for demolishing a dangerous structure. So this can't be a defence."

The bench accordingly adjourned the matter till Monday.