Mumbai: The Mumbai High Court has issued a notice to the Thane Municipal Commissioner and other concerned parties, seeking an explanation as to why the under-construction Hakim Ajmal Khan Municipal Hospital in Kausa, Mumbra has not been operationalized within the stipulated three months. The notice was issued following a contempt petition (No. 2024/26298) filed by APCR Maharashtra, which was heard by a bench led by Chief Justice.
Earlier, APCR Maharashtra had filed a Public Interest Litigation (PIL No. 24/2022) regarding the hospital’s functioning. Acting on the PIL, a bench comprising Chief Justice Devendra Kumar Upadhyaya and Justice Arif Doctor had directed the Thane Municipal Corporation (TMC) to ensure that the hospital operates as per Resolution No. 750, which mandates that it serve the general public. The court had specifically ordered that medications and full treatment be provided free of cost to underprivileged and marginalized sections, including those without ration cards.
The High Court had further directed that if the municipal body failed to comply with the court order, APCR Maharashtra could approach the court again. Despite the court’s directive, the hospital has yet to be opened, prompting APCR to file a contempt petition against the concerned authorities.
During today’s hearing, the Chief Justice’s bench took note of the non-compliance and issued a notice to the Thane Municipal Commissioner and other respondents, demanding an explanation for the delay.
The case is being handled by senior advocate Yusuf Muchhala, advocate Abdul Karim Pathan, advocate Aqeel Khan, and their legal team.
