Supreme Court stays demolition of Campa Cola housing complex

In a relief to hundreds of agitating residents of Mumbai's Campa Cola society, the Supreme Court on Wednesday stayed forthwith the demolition of unauthorised flats in the compound till May 31, 2014.
The order came minutes after the Bombay Municipal Corporation (BMC) squad bulldozed its way into the Campa Cola compound in South Mumbai to take action against illegal flats in the society.
A bench headed by Justice G.S. Singhvi took suo motu cognizance of media reports and stayed the demolition process, saying it will pass a detailed order at 2 pm.
"We were badly disturbed by the development that is taking place at Campa Cola premises in Mumbai," said the bench.
The Supreme Court, in its order mentioned, apart from legal issues, there is also a human problem in the case. The apex court also agreed to consider the proposal of constructing a separate building in the premises for those whose apartments are to demolished.
Justice Singhvi, who had on October 1 refused to re-consider his earlier order on demolition of flats built beyond the sanctioned six floors, had set November 11 deadline to vacate 102 flats declared as illegal.
Seven high-rise buildings of Campa Cola Housing society were constructed between 1981 and 1989. The builders had permission for only six floors. One of the compound buildings, Midtown, has 20 floors and another building, Orchid, has got 17 floors.
In the morning, the municipal staff with police help barged into the compound in South Mumbai by breaking open the main gate to take action against illegal flats in the society.
The residents were involved in scuffles with police who forcibly moved them away from the gate to facilitate access for the civic squad.
The residents blocked the entrance and refused to allow civic officials to enter the premises as the BMC team was expected to cut power and water supply in remaining illegal flats on Wednesday.