BMC flouts its own rule, gives licence to resort under litigation in Gorai

The resort shares its border with the sea face at Gorai

In violation of its own rule, civic officials from R Central ward have issued a health licence to a resort in Gorai which is embroiled in a legal case. BMC rules categorically mention that no licence should be issued to any premises or establishments if there is a pending legal case. The Sun Beach Resort, spread over around 4 acres bordering the sea face at Gorai, came under BMC scanner in 2014 following complaints of illegal construction.

The civic body had served a notice to the resort and even initiated demolition action, following which the owners moved the city civil court against the action. After the court held up the BMC's decision to take action, resort owners moved the Bombay High Court, which sent it back to the trial court for hearing.

The licence issued by the BMC

Even as the legal dispute between the BMC and the resort continues, R Central ward has given the resort the necessary permission for cooking and serving food. A senior civic official on the condition of anonymity said, "The suburban collector's office has issued a licence for commercial electricity to the resort. Based on this, the BMC granted the licence."

The owner of the establishment is Abdul Hamid Mapkana Shah and his son Danish runs the business in partnership with Yash Mishra, son of advocate Vijay Mishra. When mid-day contacted Shah, he refused to comment and referred the correspondent to Vijay Mishra instead.

Mishra, however, denied allegations of illegal construction and claimed that the resort was being targeted. "Based on complaints by two former corporators, the BMC issued notices to the resort. The complaints have been made in a bid to extort money, but we will not cower to such demands," Mishra told mid-day.