The Bombay High Court today asked architect Shashi Prabhu to inspect the Ambedkar Bhavan in Dadar, large parts of which have been demolished, to ascertain the extent of damage caused to the building and printing press run by Prakash Ambedkar, grandson of B R Ambedkar.
Substantial portions of the structure was demolished recently by the People's Improvement Trust, which runs the Ambedkar Bhavan, after it was served a notice by the Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai (MCGM) that the building was in a dilapidated and dangerous condition.
Justice S J Kathawala asked architect Prabhu to inspect the place and submit a report by August 5 on steps to be taken to restore the damaged structure.
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The matter has been adjourned to August 8 for further hearing.
Prabhu has also been asked to submit a report on the inventory lying at the "Budh Bhushan" printing press.
According to Prakash Ambedkar's counsel, periodicals and some magazines were being printed at the press.
The counsel also said Prakash Ambedkar wanted to visit the premises to ascertain the damage caused to the press.
During the hearing, the high court asked People's Improvement Trust and Prakash Ambedkar to redevelop this property jointly.
However, Ambedkar's counsel said he was not agreeable to the suggestion of the high court.
The counsel said Prakash Ambedkar is of the view that Ambedkar Bhavan should be preserved because of its emotional value as B R Ambedkar had got it built.
The high court is hearing an application filed by the People's Improvement Trust against the proposed rebuilding of the demolished structure through 'shramdaan' (voluntary contribution of labour).
On July 29, the high court had restrained people from stepping into Ambedkar Bhavan and rebuild or restore it.
According to the Trust, on June 1 this year it received a notice from MCGM directing it to demolish the three structures in the premises as they were in a dilapidated condition.
As per the notice, the Trust started demolition on June 25. However, the same day, followers of Babasaheb Ambedkar led by Prakash entered the premises and protested against the demolition.
Prakash Ambedkar has recently urged the followers of the Dalit icon to assemble at the premises on July 30 and rebuild and restore the structure.
According to the Trust, there were three structures in
the premises, which have been demolished. Prakash and his brother Anandraj were occupants of them.
The Trust had informed the High Court at the last hearing that Prakash and Anandraj would be allowed to occupy the proposed 17-storeyed redeveloped structure.
From one structure, Prakash operated and undertook printing press work, while the Trust operated from the other. The open courtyard with a hall was often given on rent for public functions to earn funds for the maintenance of the structure, the Trust said.
