Civic body,Seven Hills likely to meet today to resolve differences

Earlier,in an interim order,the court had asked the BMC to issue the NOC in two weeks and observed that it would be in public interest.

Arguing for the SHHPL,senior counsel Mukul Rohatgi told the court that the NOC issued by the civic body had in fact laid down additional conditions. The SHHPL contended that the NOC issued by the BMC defeats the court’s order and urged the court to ask the BMC to issue a “better NOC” with which they can apply for a loan.

Kumbhakoni and lawyer Preeti Purandare told the court that their only concern is that 20 per cent of the hospital beds should be reserved for poor patients and they should be treated at par with BMC hospitals. “If they are ready to do this,we are ready to execute lease deeds whereby they (SHHPL) will get lease-hold rights which they can mortgage and the problem will be solved,” Kumbhakoni said.

Rohatgi said the SHHPL cannot be expected to give medicines and equipment,like stents,worth thousands of rupees for free. “Don’t make this a prestige issue,” Justice P B Majmudar said. Asking the parties to arrive at an amicable decision,the court said,“”Mediation is the rule of the day.”

The court has adjourned the case till December 17. The meeting between the litigating parties and their counsels is likely to be held tomorrow.