Bombay High Court Allows Mahim Dargah Mela To Continue, Quashes Police Notice To Stop Event Due To Christmas Celebrations

The Bombay High Court on Tuesday (December 24) quashed a notice issued by Mumbai Police to stop the annual Mahim Mela (fun fair)–one of the city's most vibrant events–citing the "overcrowding" on the streets, especially on December 24 and 25, when people will usher in Christmas celebrations. 

A vacation bench of Justices Shivkumar Dige and Advait Sethna said that the police, instead of stopping the event can instead provide more police force for keeping a check on overcrowding and traffic jams.

"Let the event continue," the bench told Additional Public Prosecutor Prajakta Shinde, who represented the Police.

Notably, the Mela commemorates the celebration for the life of Hazrat Makhdoom Fakih Ali Mahimi, and is marked by cultural performances, street food, shopping and several activities for people visiting the 10-days event.

The Mahim Police had issued a notice to stop the event especially for December 24 and 25, in view of the fact that thousands of people will be visiting the St Michael's Church in Mahim, which is in the opposite lane of the Dargah.

Taking exception to this notice, the organisers through Advocate Prasanna Bhangale, challenged the said notice before the vacation court led by Justice Dige.

The court however quashed the said notice.

A detailed copy detailed order is awaited.