Verify charge of illegal construction in BJP office: Bombay High Court to BMC

The Bombay high court (HC) on Friday directed the BMC to inspect an alleged illegal structure constructed inside the BJP office near a garden at Churchgate.

A division bench of Justices A S Oka and A P Bhangale directed the officer bearers of the party to allow BMC officials to enter their office on Monday and inspect the premises. The direction was given during the hearing of a public interest litigation filed by three residents' associations seeking action against illegal structures set up by political parties inside and near the Nehru Garden, as well as illegal shanties that have sprung up there.

In August 2013, the HC had restrained BJP and all other political parties which have their offices there from carrying out any renovation. However, last year, the petitioners' advocate told the court that despite the stay, the BJP had carried out construction in its office premises.

The bench was informed that civic body officials had gone to the BJP office to conduct an inspection, but the political party had refused access, to which the court said, "We direct civic body officials to conduct inspection of the alleged illegal construction on March 30. Respondent 6 (BJP) shall not obstruct or create any hurdle. The civic body after conducting inspection shall file an affidavit before this court by April 7."

The next hearing is on April 10.