The civic body had demolished the extended section of the restaurant after serving a notice on June 20. The hotel rushed to the court and sought a stay. However, the civic staff had already demolished the extended part by then.
Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has demolished the extended part of popular eatery 'Salt Water Cafe' on Veer Nariman Road in the Churchgate area on Wednesday following a city civil court order. Ironically, what the officials demolished was built by the BMC itself last week following a Bombay High Court order since the civic body had demolished the same section earlier in June even as the restaurant owner had sought a stay.
The civic body had demolished the extended section of the restaurant after serving a notice on June 20. The hotel rushed to the court and sought a stay. However, the civic staff had already demolished the extended part by then.
Berry Hotels Pvt Ltd., which runs the restaurant, had moved the high court to direct restoration of its premises and alleging contempt of court by BMC officers as the civic body carried out the demolition despite the city civil court ordering a stay on June 23 on the notice.
However, HC directed the owner to challenge the BMC's demolition notice before the city civil court and the court would then decide on merit whether the restaurant had made any illegal additions to its structure. On July 26, city civil court gave an order in favour of BMC following which the demolition action was taken.
BMC, on June 23, had also demolished extensions of Shiv Sagar restaurant, Salt Water Café and Chopsticks. Notices were also served to Kamling, Gaylords and Pizza by the Bay, but they acquired a stay from court.
The restaurants had not only covered the open spaces outside their premises, which are to be kept compulsorily open, but were also using the space for business. The action was take after a suo motu order of the state Lokayukta.
"The eateries were asked to restore the compulsory open space as per the approved plan in the stipulated time given in the notice or face action under section 351 of the MMC Act. It was made clear in the notice that we would demolish the extensions without any further intimation. Open space is mandatory for the safety of those residing in the vicinity," said a civic official.
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