The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation is set to begin the eviction process at Mumbai's Campa Cola Society on Friday. The residents, however, are refusing to budge and performed a havan at the entrance of the compound gate to prevent the BMC officials from entering the compound.
The residents also plan to form human chains to prevent the BMC from brginning the eviction process. The BMC, meanwhile, too has a plan of action in mind.
In the first stage of eviction, the Municipal Corporation will cut off supply of electricity, water and gas to the illegally built flats. Internal walls of the flats would be pulled down in the second stage, and finally the balconies would be taken down. "MCGM will be spending about Rs 2,20,00,000 on demolition, and the money will be recovered from the property tax of the legal residents of Campa Cola," the official added. Residents will also face action for violating the court orders to vacate the flats.
Here's all you want to know about the Campa Cola case:
What is the issue?
- According to reports the flats were built by one of Mumbai's original underworld don's Yousuf Patel.
- The apex court took suo moto cognizance of the matter and passed an order after media reports on the demolition.
- The flats were sold at 1/3 of the market value.
- Architect says some of the owners were aware of the fact that it was illegal.
- Some others were fooled by the builders and some may have got forged documents.
- Residents felt that they can get the flats regularized later.
- Original architect's licence was cancelled by the BMC in 1984.
- An Ordinance can save the flats from demolition.
- The Maharashtra government is hesitant to promulgate an ordinance fearing similar demands from other illegal colonies.
Who is at fault?
- The builder, who built and sold the flats.
- The BMC, which registered flats.
- Some occupants who bought it even after they were aware of the illegality.
- The Maharashtra government which failed to act earlier.
Timeline:
2002
Residents of 19 flats received notices from the BMC for FSI violations, but no action is taken.
2005
Eviction notice served by BMC.
Dec 2011
The residents filed a special leave petition in Supreme Court.
Feb 27, 2013
SC ordered all floors above the 5th floor of the seven structures to be demolished.
May 2, 2013
The SC gave a 5 month period to residents for vacating their flats.
Sept 11, 2013
The SC allowed the residents to approach the BMC for regularisation of the flats.
Sept 25, 2013
The BMC rejected the residents' application for regularisation, stating the SC order does not permit them to do so.
Sept 26, 2013
Residents approached the HC against the BMC & the regulaisation plea as well.
Oct 1, 2013
Residents filed a Special Leave petition against the HC order, which SC dismissed. Eviction was postponed to Nov 11.
Nov 11, 2013
Deadline to vacate ended. Chavan said he sought the attorney general's opinion on whether the state could save the houses.
Nov 12, 2013
The civic body tries to begin the process of demolition.
Nov 13, 2013
The Supreme Court directs the BMC not to demolish the Campa Cola flats till May 31, 2014.
May 5
Supreme Court refused to grant further extension to vacate houses.
June 3
No relief for Campa Cola residents, SC refuses to stay demolition.
June 10
Municipal Corporation ordered Campa Cola residents to leave in 72 hours or face legal action.
BMC's Plan of action:
- First phase (June 20): Disconnect essential supply connections (water, power and gas)
- Second Phase (in the coming days): Demolish down internal walls to ensure the flats are inhabitable
- Third Phase (in the coming days): Initiates total demolition of the 102 illegal flats
- BMC will do video recording of the entire eviction and demolition action as a proof for SC.
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