Maharashtra court issues summons to MLC Anil Parab in complaint alleging environmental violations at Dapoli resort

A Dapoli Court in Maharashtra on Wednesday issued process and summoned Member of Legislative Council Anil Parab on a criminal complaint alleging violation of environmental rules by a resort located on a land formerly owned by Parab.

Based on the complaint filed by a public servant working at a regional office under the Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change, judicial magistrate Tejaswini Mahadik had earlier directed the local police to carry out preliminary investigation and submit a report on the complaint. 

Considering the complaint, documentary evidence on record and police report, the magistrate concluded that there is sufficient material and grounds to proceed against accused persons for violation of offences alleged under Sections 5 and 7 of the Environment (Protection) Act 1986.

Parab was summoned to appear along with Sadanand Kadam, the present owner of the land by December 14.

Parab, a former cabinet minister and member of the Uddhav Thackeray led faction of Shiv Sena, has been embroiled in various controversies arising from a sea-side resort located in Dapoli. 

The complainant claimed that the resort constructed on the land violated the coastal regulation zone norms. The accused carried out construction in a no-development zone which was an illegal act, advocate Kuveskar Prakash, representing the complainant told the court. 

The complaint pointed out that after construction of the resort was completed in 2020, Parab sold the structure and the land to Kadam. 

Apart from Kadam’s resort, another resort has also been made a party to the case.

The magistrate took note of the fact that the police report supported the complainant’s claim. 

The complainant also argued that MOEFCC had issued show-cause notices to the resorts in December 2021 and had directed the ministry to remove the structures entirely and restore the sea shore to its original condition. 

The accused, however, did not obey the order and they are illegally discharging environmental pollutants in the sea streams, the complaint claimed.

[Read order]