FIRs against 17 contractors under MRTP Act; 90 bungalow owners served notices

Mumbai: After cracking down on bungalow owners in SVP Nagar, Versova, for unauthorised constructions, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) is now targeting contractors who get illegal work done.

The civic body has filed police complaints against 17 contractors under the MRTP Act. It has also issued notices to 90 bungalow owners over the past few months, which include singers Himesh Reshammiya and Udit Narayan. Ten illegal alterations have been razed so far.

Versova’s Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Nagar was in the news a few years ago when comedian Kapil Sharma’s studio was issued notices for unauthorised construction. Following this, civic authorities inspected 160 bungalows and found irregularities in 90. Between March and April, notices were served on 90 bungalows for unauthorised alterations or additions. The nature of the alterations ranges from enclosing terraces, basements to changing the use of the property.

“Among those served notices are Mr. Reshammiya and Mr. Narayan. While Mr. Reshammiya has moved court, Mr. Narayan has submitted an application to us for regularisation,” Prashant Gaikwad, assistant municipal commissioner, K West ward, said.

Of the others, at least 15 have moved court while unauthorised portions have been demolished in 10 cases.

The civic body has decided to pull up contractors who do unauthorised work for these bungalow owners. “There is a group of contractors which undertakes work in these bungalows without permissions. We have decided to prosecute them under the MRTP Act,” Mr. Gaikwad said.

On Saturday, Mr. Gaikwad’s staffers submitted complaints against 17 contractors in Versova police station. The police have registered 17 FIRs under Section 52 of the MRTP Act. The section deals with penalty for unauthorised development or for use otherwise than in conformity with the development plan. It provides for maximum imprisonment up to three years and maximum fine up to ₹5,000.

Confirming the development, Kiran Kale, senior police inspector, Versova police station, said, “On Saturday, we filed 17 FIRs against certain contractors under Section 52 of the MRTP Act. They are based on the BMC complaints of unauthorised constructions. The matter is under investigation.”