Adarsh Housing society case: No demolition, SC asks Centre to take over and secure controversial building

The Supreme Court on Friday asked the Centre to take over possession and secure the Adarsh society building in Mumbai.

The Bombay High Court had in April ordered the demolition of the Mumbai apartment which became the centre of a political and bureaucratic corruption issue.

Following this, the society had moved the apex court against the High Court verdict.

"We will secure the building and there will be no demolition," Solicitor General Ranjit Kumar told Supreme Court on Friday.

The handing over of possession has to be done on or before August 5. The process will be supervised by Registrar General of Bombay High Court or by his nominee Registrar.

The housing society was built for Kargil war veterans and widows, however, the apartments were cheaply given to politicians, ministers and bureaucrats. Former CM Chavan's three relatives had been given the apartment in the 31-storey building.

Centre had ordered the demolition of the building in 2011. But the society's lawyer had challenged the order in court.