New Delhi/Mumbai: The Supreme Court has rejected the petition seeking to stop Mumbai's Dharavi redevelopment project, giving the Adani Group green signal to carry forward this ambitious project. On the other hand, a government institution in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has filed a case in international arbitration against Adani Ports, causing the company to face a legal challenge.
Supreme Court verdict in Dharavi case
1. Background: The Adani Group won a bid of ₹ 5,069 crore in 2022 for the redevelopment of MN Dharavi, the largest slum area in Asia. Some residents and NGOs approached the court over lack of transparency and environmental concerns.
2. Court comment: Justice KM Joseph and BV Nagratna's bench said, "This is a public interest project. It cannot be stopped without concrete evidence." _
3. Next hearing: The next hearing of the case will be held in November, in which issues related to land acquisition will be discussed.
UAE case against Adani
1. base of the case: UAE government company P&O Marsk has accused of violating conditions in an agreement with Adani Ports. The dispute is related to the operation of Mundra Port in Gujarat.
2. Demand: P&O Marsk has sought a compensation of ₹ 1,200 crore from Adani, which Adani has described as "baseless".
3. Adani's response: The company said, "We respect the legal process and will keep our side firmly."
Analysis and impact
Dharavi Project: The decision of the court has cleared the way for rehabilitation of more than 1 million residents and development of infrastructure.
UAE controversy: In international arbitration, the case can become a challenge for Adani's global trade relations, especially in the Middle East.
Stakeholders' response
Dharavi resident union: "We hope that our rights will not be ignored in the project."
Environmentalist: "The plan that damages the ecosystem of Dharavi should be reconsidered."