MCGM told to inspect illegal structure built inside BJP office

The Bombay High Court on Thursday directed the Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai (MCGM) to conduct inspection of an alleged illegal structure constructed by BJP inside its office, near a garden in South Mumbai.

A division bench of justices A S Oka and A P Bhangale was hearing petitions filed by three residents association seeking action against illegal structures of political parties inside and near the Nehru Garden and other illegal shanties that have sprung up there.

In August 2013, the high court had restrained BJP and all other political parties which have their offices there to not carry out any renovation work.

However, last year, the petitioners' advocate told the court that despite the stay, BJP had carried out construction in their office premises.

The court was today informed that officials from the civic body had gone to the BJP office to conduct inspection but the political party had refused access.

"We direct the civic body officials to conduct inspection of the alleged illegal construction on March 30.

Respondent six (BJP) shall not obstruct or create any hurdle.

The civic body after conducting inspection shall file an affidavit before this court by April 7," Justice Oka directed.

The matter will be heard on April 10.