30 July,2016 08:17 AM IST | | Vinay Dalvi
Bombay High Court issues status quo order on the demolished structure to prevent Dalit factions from staking claim on it
Ambedkar Bhavan was demolished in the dead of the night on June 25, sparking outrage among the Dalit community
Even as the Dalit community wages a bitter battle over Ambedkar Bhavan, the Bombay High Court has asked all parties to stay away from the demolished structure and not make any attempts to damage or rebuild it.
Also read: Ambedkar Bhavan just needed 'some repairs'
Ambedkar Bhavan was demolished in the dead of the night on June 25, sparking outrage among the Dalit community
It was built by Dr BR Ambedkar in 1930 as a haven for the Dalit community, which has now risen up in arms after the historic building was demolished in the dead of night on June 25.
Babasaheb Ambedkar's grandson Prakash Ambedkar registered an FIR against those who authorised the demolition and also made an announcement that the Dalit community would restore the building with their hands today through 'shramdaan'.
In response, the People's Improvement Trust (PIT), which controls Ambedkar Bhavan, moved the high court with a petition claiming that such construction will be illegal and must be prevented.
Senior counsel Shailesh Shah, who represented the trust, told Justice SJ Kathawala that the demolition was carried after the BMC issued a notice declaring the building dilapidated.
He told the court that the demolition was yet to be completed and debris was still lying at the site but could not be removed because around 1,000 people (including Prakash) had gathered there in protest by the next morning.
Justice Kathawala then told both the parties to maintain status quo and see to it that 'not a single stone is moved from the site' until the matter is heard in court.
He kept the matter for another hearing on Monday and also directed the police commissioner to ensure that law and order is maintained at the building site.
