The Bombay High Court has issued notices to Maharashtra Forest Minister Ganesh Naik, his son and former MLA Sandeep Naik, the state government, MIDC officials and other respondents following a public interest litigation alleging that three industrial plots in Khairane’s TTC Industrial Area are being used for purposes other than those for which they were allotted.
The PIL, filed by Vashi-based social worker Balasaheb Mirje, concerns plots A-14, A-15 and A-16. The petitioner alleges that the properties were allotted at concessional rates to promote industrial activity and employment but are being used for political, commercial or other non-industrial activities.
According to the petition, A-15 was allotted to Saarth InfoTech at ₹300 per sq metre for an IT institute, while A-16 was allotted to Nishant Food Pvt Ltd at ₹200 per sq metre for manufacturing bread and biscuits. The PIL alleges that the sanctioned industrial activities are not being carried out at the respective premises.
A division bench comprising Chief Justice Mahesh Chandra Tripathi and Justice Advait M. Sethna issued the notices on September 17 after observing that the matter required consideration. The state’s counsel accepted service. Respondents have been given two weeks to submit replies, after which the petitioner will have one week to file a rejoinder. The next hearing is scheduled for October 8.
Mirje has also relied on photographs and correspondence submitted to MIDC officials. The PIL alleges that repeated complaints made to the Mahape regional office in December 2025 and January 2026 did not result in a complete inspection or inquiry.
“These plots were allotted for industrial activity and employment generation. If large plots are used for offices or political activities instead of industries, the purpose of the allotment is defeated,” he said.
The petitioner has sought inspection, a status report, possible cancellation of allotments, recovery of differential premiums and an inquiry into the alleged failure to act on complaints.
The High Court has not ruled on the allegations on merits, and the respondents are yet to file their replies. Attempts to obtain responses from the named parties and MIDC officials had not received a response when the report was published.
Source: Hindustan Times
