Bombay HC slams BMC over illegal constructions

Mumbai, Jan 18 (PTI) The Bombay High Court todayrapped the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) forfailing to take timely action against unauthorisedconstructions and directed the civic body to start a survey ofsuburban Malad and submit a list of the number of illegalstructures in that area.

A division bench of Justices P B Majmudar and AmjadSayed was hearing a petition filed by Balaji InternationalSchool in Malad challenging an order passed by AssistantMunicipal Commissioner directing demolition of an electricitysub-station constructed in the school compound.

"Total lawlessness is prevailing in this city so faras unauthorised constructions are concerned. It is a sorrystate of affairs," Justice Majmudar said while adjourning thematter till February 8.

"You (BMC) always realise at the last moment thatcertain construction is unauthorised and then you regulariseit. The corporation should maintain transparency and act inaccordance of law," the bench observed.

Pulling up the school management for going ahead withthe construction work of the sub-station building despitehaving being served a stop work notice by BMC, the court said,"If school itself is violating the law, what education willyou be providing to the students."

BMC counsel Anil Sakhare assured the court that thecivic body would take necessary action against illegalconstructions before the next date of hearing.