India, Sept. 1 -- The Supreme Court on Monday declined to interfere with the Maharashtra Maritime Board's (MMB) decision to build a passenger jetty and terminal facility in the sea near Mumbai's iconic Gateway of India, noting that the project was a "policy decision" taken after securing the necessary clearances.

A bench of Chief Justice of India Bhushan R Gavai and Justice K Vinod Chandran dismissed pleas filed by Laura D'Souza and the Clean Heritage Colaba Residents Association (CHCRA) against a Bombay high court judgment in July. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta represented the state government and MMB before the apex court.

"The decision has been taken by competent authorities after considering all relevant factors...We cannot sit in ...