Mumbai:
The attempts made by the officials of the BrihanMumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) to convince those living in the 102 illegal flats of the Campa Cola society to leave didn't pay off for the second day today. The residents, protesting at the gate of the society, did not allow the officials to enter the compound to prepare grounds for their eviction in keeping with a Supreme Court order.
Before leaving the compound today, the officials told protesting residents that they will keep coming back until they carry out the Supreme Court order.
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The BMC official asked the residents to not interfere with the court order. "Face the reality, this is a court order. We are recording this, you will be identified. Do not use emotion to stop us," the officials said assuring the residents that they will not use force.
However, the people protesting against the eviction order demanded more time from the officials. Like yesterday, these residents, led by women, barricaded themselves in to stop the BMC teams that arrived with cops.
The BMC has registered a case with the Mumbai police against residents of the society for obstructing the public servants from discharging their duties on Friday. The civic body also videographed Friday's attempt to enter the society and may submit it as evidence for its failure to act in the Supreme Court.
The Campa Cola Society lost its plea in the top court on June 3 when it challenged its earlier order of February 27 to vacate the building by May 31.
The residents argue that they are being victimised for the fault of the builders and civic officials who colluded in violating rules to build 35 illegal floors. Renowned singer and Bharat Ratna recipient Lata Mangeshkar also owns a flat in the society.
Former BMC deputy municipal commissioner G R Khairnar has said a legal solution is possible to the crisis. "These building can be regularised legally but our system has become corrupt and I suspect big money is at play," Mr Khairnar told NDTV. Mr Khairnar was known for his strict approach in bringing down illegal structures which earned him the sobriquet 'Demolition Man'.
In June last year, the Supreme Court had ordered families occupying the illegal flats to vacate the building by May. Their deadline to hand over the keys ended on June 12, but the residents then threatened to pitch tents in the complex.
The residents moved the Supreme Court to buy more time to help legalise their home of three decades. But the court on June 3 rejected their plea and ordered them to vacate their flats.
Seven high-rises were constructed at what came to be called the Campa Cola Compound, between 1981 and 1989. The builders had permission for only five floors, but constructed several more. The residents have been fighting a legal battle since 2000, when they first went to the Bombay High Court to legalise their water and power supply.
The Campa Cola society's battle, reflecting the housing struggles of Mumbai's middle class, has been an emotive rallying point for politicians over the years and is likely to get more play ahead of the Maharashtra state polls later this year. "Why single out Campa Cola when there are thousands of illegal buildings in Mumbai? The government is not responsive," said the BJP's Shaina NC, who has also joined the protests.
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