BMC House passes resolution denying permissions to builders who refuse to sell flats to non-vegertarians

The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) on Thursday passed a resolution denying crucial development-related permission to builders who refused to sell flats to non-vegetarian buyers.

According to the resolution, the BMC will not issue intimation of disapproval (IOD), commencement certificate (CC) and water connections to developers who engage in such practices. An IOD is approval of civil plans, while procuring CC means a developer can begin the construction.

The motion was passed by voice vote amidst din with the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS), Shiv Sena, Congress, Samajwadi Party and NCP coming together to convert it into a resolution, opposed by BJP. Even though the 227-seat House has approved the motion, it will require the municipal commissioner and state's urban development department's nod to be made effective.

The resolution was passed after MNS' group leader Sandeep Deshpande had moved a notice of motion in this regard. Deshpande had raised concerns over alleged frequent instances of developers refusing to sell flats to non-vegetarian buyers citing it as unconstitutional.

"People following certain religions and eating patterns are being denied flats by developers. This refusal is verbal. Given there is no evidence, such buyers can't purchase homes of their choices and become helpless. Keeping in mind such cases, I had moved a notice of motion to give relief to non-vegetarian people trying to buy flats in city," Deshpande said.

The Dadar corporator was supported by all-party corporators barring BJP men.