Pune: Bombay High Court Imposes ₹1 Lakh Fine On PIL Petitioner; Relief For 40 Families Of Shantivan Society
Pune: Bombay High Court Imposes ₹1 Lakh Fine On PIL Petitioner; Relief For 40 Families Of Shantivan Society
Wakad, July 16, 2025: In a significant judgment, the Bombay High Court has dismissed a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed by Rajesh Deepchand Rochiramani regarding the redevelopment project of Shantivan Society in Pimpri. The PIL was rejected by a division bench comprising Chief Justice Alok Aradhe and Justice Sandeep V. Marne, who also set aside the interim stay order on the project. Taking serious note of the baseless allegations and misuse of legal processes, the Court imposed a fine of ₹1 lakh on the petitioner.
The judgment has brought much-needed relief to 40 families whose futures were hanging in the balance due to the four-month-long stay on the redevelopment work. The Court observed that Rochiramani attempted to misuse the judicial process and jurisdiction for personal gains and deliberately harass the developer, M/s Saibaba Sales Pvt. Ltd. It was also noted that the petitioner made unfounded claims without any study on whether the project site falls within a flood zone.
Senior advocate Simil Purohit, along with Bhushan Deshmukh and Mayank Bagla, argued effectively in court, presenting facts that the redevelopment project is fully compliant with regulations and all required permissions have been secured from the municipal authorities. The petitioner had earlier complained to government agencies and approached the High Court alleging that the civic body had granted permission for construction in a flood-prone area.
Relief for 40 Families
The stay on the redevelopment had left 40 families in limbo, creating immense anxiety as their homes were stuck in legal proceedings. The Court’s decision has now paved the way for their future, providing emotional and mental relief to both residents and the developer.
“The Bombay High Court not only dismissed Rochiramani’s petition but also called it a gross misuse of the judicial system, imposing a fine of ₹1 lakh. The Court noted that he filed frivolous complaints to exert undue pressure and for extortion. This ruling sends a strong message that the judiciary cannot be misused under the pretext of public interest.”
— Adv. Mayank Bagla, Advocate, Bombay High Court
“Based on the Court’s orders, the civic body had imposed a stay on the project earlier. With the stay lifted after the High Court’s ruling, the truth is now clear, and redevelopment projects within flood zones can proceed in compliance with regulations.”
— Makarand Nikam, City Engineer, Pimpri-Chinchwad
