MUMBAI, May 3 -- The Bombay high court on Friday directed the Maharashtra government to submit its response to a petition challenging the construction of a proposed passenger jetty and terminal near Radio Club in south Mumbai by June 7. The petition - filed by around 150 residents of Colaba including proprietors, tenants and business operators - contends that the project poses substantial risk of causing irreversible harm to the heritage precinct, marine ecosystem, adjacent infrastructure, and the overall quality of life for thousands of residents and visitors. According to the petition, Colaba residents were assured that plans for a jetty at the location had not been finalised and a proposal to shift it to a different place was under consideration. But in January-February 2025, they learned that the Maharashtra Maritime Board (MMB) had revived the proposal. On Friday, senior advocate Aspi Chinoy, representing the petitioners, called the project arbitrary and illegal, and argued that clearances and no-objection certificates for the project were issued without following due process. Authorities had already barricaded the project area and demarcated the portion of the promenade that will be knocked down, Chinoy informed the court. Advocate general Birendra Saraf, appearing for the state, assured the court that the wall would not be broken before June 20. After the brief hearing, the division bench of chief justice Alok Aradhe and justice MS Karnik directed the respondents to file their reply by June 7, with any rejoinder to be submitted on or before June 12. The next hearing is scheduled on June 16....