Bombay High Court Criticises BMC For Demolishing Kangana Ranaut's Office

The High Court of Bombay sharply criticized the BMC for the way the demolition on Ms Kangana Ranaut's property commenced. There were vague sketches in the notice issued by the Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai (or the MCGM/BMC). The sketches detailed the allegedly illegal alterations made in the building. 

HC directs BMC to stop demolition work on the alleged illegal construction

While directing the BMC to stop the demolition, the Bench of Justices RI Chagla and SJ Kathawalla made a strict observation. The court said, "We cannot help but mention here that if the MCGM would act with similar swiftness qua the numerous unauthorized constructions in this City, the City would be a completely different place to live in. "

BMC calls writ petition an abuse of process of law

The Bench also directed BMC to file a response to the writ petition moved by Ms Ranaut in the matter for explaining its conduct. In response,  BMC filed an affidavit the next day through Counsel Joel Carlos. It asserted that Ms Ranaut had not obtained due permissions for the allegedly illegal alterations to her property that were sought to be demolished. In its affidavit, the BMC has termed the writ petition as an abuse of process and contended further that Ms Ranaut had “unlawfully made substantial alterations and additions to the property contrary to the sanctioned Building Plan.”

The details regarding illegal alterations were also given in the notice issued to Ms Ranaut. Further, it was contended that the demolition work was started because Ms Ranaut failed to stop work on the alleged illegal construction even after BMC issued a notice in this regard. BMC had given a 24-hour deadline for the said purpose.

Kangana denies allegations and seeks time to amend her petition

Advocate Rizwan Siddique, who appeared for Ranaut, denied the allegations and asked the Court for more time to amend the petition so that additional facts may be incorporated. The  Court has given Ms Ranaut time till September 14 to amend her petition while BMC may make its reply by September 18.

The next hearing is scheduled on September 22.