Mumbai: The Bombay High Court, on Wednesday, questioned the authority under which Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, who also serves as the state urban development minister, stayed demolition notices issued by the Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC) against two allegedly illegal buildings in Vashi.
### Petition Filed to Enforce NMMC’s Demolition Notices
A bench comprising Justices Ravindra Ghuge and Ashwin Bhobe was hearing a petition filed by the NGO Conscious Citizen Forum challenging Shinde’s stay order dated March 13. The NGO has urged the court to quash the order, calling it “arbitrary, illegal, ultra vires, and untenable in law,” and to direct the NMMC to enforce its demolition notices issued on March 3.
According to the plea, the NMMC had issued the notices under Section 53(1A) of the Maharashtra Regional and Town Planning Act after years of delay and repeated complaints from activists. The targeted structures include the 14-storey Naivedya building, which allegedly violated FSI (floor space index) norms and approved plans, and the Dwing of Albela, a seven-storey building rebuilt in 2003 after the original CIDCO structure was demolished.
The petition further notes that neither building has an occupation certificate, yet flats have been sold to third parties.
### Court Highlights Serious Issue Over Illegal Buildings
The court observed that although the petition does not involve encroachment on public land, it raises a serious issue regarding illegal constructions.
“After due procedure, the competent authority concluded that demolition was necessary and issued notices. However, on the very same day, the housing societies approached the Deputy Chief Minister, who stayed the proceedings, thwarting further action,” the bench remarked.
The assistant government pleader requested time to seek instructions and respond to the court.
### Next Hearing Scheduled
The matter has been listed for further hearing on September 20.
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https://www.freepressjournal.in/mumbai/bombay-high-court-questions-authority-of-maharashtra-deputy-cm-eknath-shinde-over-staying-vashi-demolition-notices