Maha govt to seek AG's opinion on Campa Cola society issue

Mumbai, June 13: Maharashtra government will seek legal opinion from Attorney General of India on how it can intervene into the issue of Campa Cola society residents who are making efforts to save themselves from being evicted.

The Supreme Court in its judgement had earlier said that the residents should vacate their homes by May 31 and quashed their plea for a date extension. The BrihanMumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has decided to cut the essential supplies like water, light and gas for demolition of the internal walls later this month, sources said.

Minority Affairs Minister Mohammed Arif Naseem Khan demanded in the Cabinet meeting today that the state government intervene in the issue on humanitarian grounds, government sources said. The residents have been living there for more than 20 years and if the floors were illegal, why did the civic body provide basic amenities to them for so many years, he said.

"The minister argued that there is panic among the residents after the court orders and the government should do something on humanitarian grounds. PWD Minister Chhagan Bhujbal and Minister of State for Housing Sachin Ahir supported Khan's demand," sources said.

Chief Minister Prithviraj Chavan agreed to consult the Attorney General on what can be the legal option for the state after the apex court order, they said. "The CM assured that he will talk to the Attorney General and take decision accordingly. He said the society members should also consult their legal team on the next course ahead," they mentioned.

The issue of Maratha reservation did not come up for clearance today but was only discussed, sources said. "Naseem Khan demanded that Muslims be given reservation on the socio-economic backwardness criteria. The Chief Minister was in agreement with this," they added.

PTI