The Bombay High Court has permitted the Maharashtra government to enter the ‘Jaystambh’ land in Pune for a fortnight to make arrangements for the January 1, 2025 programme marking the 207th anniversary of the battle of Bhima Koregaon. The land situated at Perne village in Pune is embroiled in an ownership dispute and a court order has directed for status quo to be maintained. Hence, every year, the government has to seek permission from the court.
Justice SM Modak, on December 6, permitted the government to enter the disputed land from the midnight of December 22, 2024 to January 5, 2025 to make necessary arrangements. It also permitted the government to allow the public to enter the premises and visit the Victory Pillar (Jaystambh) from the midnight of December 31, 2024 to January 5, 2025.
Senior Advocate Ram Apte, appearing for one of claimants of the disputed land, insisted on drawing up a panchnama (documented inspection) before the state entered the land.
State’s advocate Bhupesh Samant, assured the court that they will do the panchnama prior to entry and even, at the time of exit.
The HC passed the order while hearing a plea by the state government through the Pune district Collector.
Justice Modak noted that permission was granted in the past too and there is consensus among all parties concerned to continue the same arrangement for this year too. The court directed the state to maintain peaceful possession of the petitioners, including unhindered access to their homes, and to deploy adequate security during the event.
However, the court emphasised that after January 5, 2025, the government “shall remove themselves from the site by restoring it to its original position as it stood… standing at the time of taking possession.” The court clarified that the status quo would resume from January 6, 2025, until the final disposal of the ongoing writ petition.
As per records, the Jaystambh was erected to mark the historical battle of 1818 known as ‘Koregaon Bhima’.
