HC directs BMC to ensure proper upkeep of Azad Maidan

Mumbai, Aug 16 (UNI) The Bombay High Court today passed directions to keep the Azad Maidan clean in response to a public interest litigation alleging that cricket pitches and the ground were not being maintained properly.

A division bench comprising justices R M Lodha and S A Bobde directed the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation to take immediate steps to remove encroachments and rubbish from the grounds.

The petitioner, Mr Padmakar Shetty of the Mumbai Cricket Association, had alleged that there was no proper maintenance of the grounds. The grounds were also being misused by outsiders to hold protest meetings, the petitioner alleged.

The court observed that ''a playground should remain like one''. Directions were also passed to the Director General of Sports to keep the ground clean and no person should be allowed to spoil or misuse the same. The Director General of Spots has been asked to file his report by next week.

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