HC directs BMC commissioner to explain inaction

Mumbai, Aug 9 (UNI) The Bombay High Court today directed Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai (MCGM) comissioner to explain as to what action was taken on three hostel buildings in Powai IIT campus, constructed without their approval.

The direction came in response to a public interest litigation filed by Bhrashtachar Nirmulan Sanghatana for removing debris and mud from the Powai lake.

Advocate Shakuntala Joshi, appearing for the petitioner, pointed out to the court that IIT has constructed three hostel buildings without sanction and permission of the corporation and the fact was admitted by the esteemed central education institute also.

When the division bench of Chief Justice Swatanter Kumar and Justice D Y Chandrachud sought explanation from the IIT's counsel, he replied that the institute had approached the corporation for regularisation of the constructions.

But the court asked MCGM's counsel as to how in the first instant construction was allowed to come in the municipal area without corporation's sanction or approval and directed MCGM commissioner to explain on affidavit as to how hostel buildings were allowed to be constructed within municipal limits, without their permission or approval.

The commissioner will have to also explain as to what action has been taken by the corporation against the IIT.

UNI