HC seeks Architecture Council''s reply on illegal bldg issue

Mumbai, Feb 8 (PTI) The Bombay High Court today issued anotice to Delhi-based Council of Architecture, seeking itsreply on a circular issued by the Brihanmumbai MunicipalCorporation which says the Council should take action againstarchitects involved in illegal constructions.

The division bench of Justices P B Majmudar and AmjadSayed was hearing a petition filed by Balaji InternationalSchool in suburban Malad, challenging an order passed by BMCdirecting demolition of an electricity sub-station constructedillegally inside the school compound.

BMC today said it has issued two circulars dated January15 and February 4 this year, requesting the Council ofArchitecture to take action for professional misconductagainst the architects who knowingly draw plans for illegalbuildings.

The bench therefore decided to make the Council a party,seeking its reply on this issue by February 21.

"Such matters are coming before the High Court regularly.

The civic body should take care of such illegalities. Apartfrom the architects, BMC should also take action against itsown officers if found involved," the court remarked.

At the last hearing, the court had directed BMC toconduct survey of all illegal constructions in Malad.