HC may pass order on MCGM's petn seeking more powers on Jun 23

The Bombay High Court today said it may pronounce the ruling on June 23 on a petition filed by Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai seeking more powers for evicting occupants of dilapidated buildings.
MCGM's petition contends that its powers under the existing laws are not enough.
During the arguments, the judges and the lawyers discussed the norms for classification of highly dilapidated buildings and how to incorporate police assistance within the civic legal framework to ensure swift eviction.
The division bench of Justices Anoop Mohta and Amjad Sayed today said it may pronounce the verdict on June 23.
MCGM said that in many cases, occupants of dilapidated buildings are not willing to leave, despite demolition notices. They invariably challenge notices and get stays from courts.

In the absence of specific provisions in the civic act for the removal of such occupants, new guidelines are needed, the MCGM contended.
Some owners and tenants of private buildings have intervened in the petition, demanding that corporation should be compelled to provide alternative accommodation while evicting.
But MCGM lawyers said considering the number of dilapidated buildings, providing alternative accommodation to everyone was not feasible.