Villagers seek legal tips from retired high court judge

PUNE: Having lost the first round to the state government, the

land owners in Purandar

protesting against the proposed international airport have sought help from

retired high court judge

, B G Kolse-Patil.

Kolse-Patil will meet the agitating villagers on Thursday. He would guide them on the legal aspects.

“We have decided not just to

stage demonstrations

and repeat that land will not be given for the airport. The survey work has started. The officials are working amid heavy police presence and have been telling us to stay away or face tough action in the form of arrest. They have said it is

unlawful to obstruct the government work

. Hence, we have also decided to seek legal help,” Deepak Memane, a landowner actively taking part in the ongoing agitation, told TOI.

Villagers claimed that they had approached the retired judge for advice.

He agreed to help them out and suggest ways to go forward keeping in mind all the legal aspects.

“A meeting has been planned around 10am on Thursday at Kumbawan, which will be attended by him. He will address the gathering and give us ideas on how to go about the agitation in a planned manner,” another landowner said.

Apart from the retired judge, the land owners have contacted some non-government organizations for help.

“We are quite upbeat with the retired judge having agreed to help us because we shall come to know from him about the different legal aspects and how to go about the whole plan. As far as going to the court is concerned, the issue is being seriously considered and we shall seek his advice,” the land owner pointed out.

On November 18, Pune collector Saurabh Rao visited Purandar and spoke with the villagers for three hours. The collector had told TOI after the meeting that the survey work would resume with immediate effect.

The survey was

temporarily suspended

on November 15 following opposition from the villagers.