A public interest litigation (PIL) petition has been filed before the Bombay High Court seeking measures to protect Shivaji Park, located in Mumbai's Dadar in light of the recent demands to build a memorial in the park for late singer Lata Mangeshkar [Prakash Tukaram Belwade vs Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai and Ors.] The petitioner, Prakash Belwade, stated that while he has the deepest respect for Mangeshkar, building such a memorial will set a wrong precedent. The PIL stated that after Mangeshkar passed away, her funeral took place at Shivaji Park and now demands are being raised that her memorial be constructed at the park. Belawade pointed out how the park was also utilised for funeral of late Balasaheb Thackeray, founder of Shiv Sena political party, and the said place there after came to be known as Smrutishal (memorial) where people come to pray on his death anniversary. "Arranging funerals at Shivaji Park every now and then and thereafter establishing/ erecting their memorials at Shivaji Park would set a wrong precedent and would in turn sink the area of Shivaji Park," the plea filed through advocates PJ Salsingikar and Sayli Wani stated. Belwade contended how playgrounds and parks were becoming casualties due to city's growing population and shrinking open spaces. “Parks, playgrounds are an important element for healthy growth of a society since children learn to socialize, hone their skills and inculcate a sense of community,” the petitioner highlighted. The petitioner, therefore, asked the Court to order the respondents to develop rules to safeguard the playground as well as determine other locations for public funerals and future memorials. The petitioner also submitted that restrictions are required to safeguard the flora and fauna surrounding the historically important park.