In wake of mid-day report flagging issue, rights body gives BMC until January 20 to reply
Shops that have allegedly illegally added a floor along GMLR. Pic/Rajesh Gupta
After mid-day red-flagged illegal shops that are thriving along the Goregaon-Mulund Link Road (GMLR), the Maharashtra State Human Rights Commission (MSHRC) has asked the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) to state what action has been taken against these establishments by January 20, 2023.
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mid-day had reported on December 14 about illegal shops and eateries cropping up along the GMLR. The BMC had permitted a few shops, as per the Kurar Pattern, to construct an additional floor in view of the area lost due to road widening.
Several shops along the GMLR have constructed illegal floors, which house eateries and a banquet hall. Pic/Rajesh Gupta
However several shops in the area have constructed illegal floors, which house eateries and a banquet hall, among other things. Despite complaints made to the BMC and the latter issuing orders to shopkeepers, no action has been taken.
In the wake of the mid-day report, the MSHRC issued summons to the additional chief secretary and municipal commissioner. The chairperson of the commission, Justice K K Tated, while issuing the order, wrote, “It is to be noted that at any time, a law-and-order problem can occur in the said area because of the unauthorised constructions.”
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The commission also asked to the authorities file a detailed affidavit in reply on or before December 22.
During the hearing last week, before chairperson Justice Tated and MSHRC member M A Sayeed, the BMC was given more time to file a detailed report on the issue of Illegal structures and the action taken against violators so far.
A civic official told mid-day, “Since the appearance of the report, T ward has issued more than 14 speaking orders, which directs establishments to put forth their say, to shops. The building department is also working on the maps and papers related to the structures.”
Chakrapani Alle, assistant commissioner of T ward, said, “We are complying with the orders of the commission. We have also directed the building and factory, maintenance and health departments to look into the matter. The due course of law will be followed and action will be taken soon.”
Speaking order
A speaking order refers to an order that is full of reasons or one that is a well-reasoned order.
14
No. of speaking orders issued by T ward
22
Day in December when first hearing was held
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