Bombay HC Stays Demolition of Stalls At Dadar Flower Market

A Division Bench of Bombay High Court comprising Justice R.D Dhanuka and Justice Kamal Khata has stayed the demolition of the stalls of the Dadar flower market by the BMC and has also directed the sellers not to carry out any alterations or construction without prior permission of the BMC.

The petitioners approached the High Court while stating that the Municipal Corporation had illegally demolished the shutters of their stalls and that they were selling flowers in the said area for a very long time.

The BMC on the other hand said that the Municipal Corporation had initiated action of demolition of the offending structures after a complaint was received from the Upendra Nagar Cooperative Society. The advocate for the BMC sought to take instructions and file an affidavit.

The Court in its order said that on the next date the bench will decide if the Municipal Corporation was entitled to initiate an action of demolition and if so, under which provisions of law and whether any law was required to be followed for carrying out such demolition or not.

The court also directed BMC to remove a vehicle parked in the impugned writ premises within 48 hours from the date of order without fail.

The Dadar Flower Market is one of the largest flower markets in Mumbai.

The petitioners were represented by Advocate Pradeep Thorat. Advocate Pooja Yadav appeared for the BMC.

Case title: Rajesh Narayan Vartak and Ors. vs Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai