Mumbai's Campa Cola Society fights eviction, blocks compound gate

Residents of the Campa Cola Society in Mumbai's plush Worli area locked the gates of the compound on Tuesday to prevent Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) officials from beginning the process of demolishing over 90 illegal flats.

The residents have refused to move out of the compound even as the deadline given by the Supreme Court to vacate the flats has ended.

On October 1, the apex court had ordered the residents to vacate their houses by November 11.

The BMC had issued eviction notices to residents of illegal floors under Section 488 of the Mumbai Municipal Corporation Act last week, and warned them not to obstruct civic staff during the demolition drive.

Seven high-rises were constructed at the Campa Cola Compound between 1981 and 1989. The builders had permission for only six floors, but constructed several more.

The BMC decided to bring down 35 illegal floors in the seven high-rises in the compound after the Supreme Court refused to regularise them.