Late Diwali for Campa Cola residents as SC may consider new building

Tears of sorrow turned into tears of joy for the residents of Mumbai’s Campa Cola Society after the Supreme Court stayed the demolition of unauthorised flats in the compound till 31 May, 2014. The order from the apex court came minutes after the Bombay Municipal Corporation (BMC) squad bulldozed its way into the Campa Cola society and cut off electricity, gas and water supplies in ten illegal flats.

Residents were seen cheering and hugging each other as soon as the news of the stay order came in. They set off fireworks, lit lamps and helped three fasting residents break off a nine day hunger strike. Shortly after the court order, the civic staff and the police began to retreat, leaving residents to celebrate the reprieve.

The residents of the Campa Cola compound have been waging a long legal battle since 2005 when they first went to court for water connection and regularization and the court ordered the then municipal commissioner to take time-bound action in the case. They have now received seven more months to vacate the society. The apex court took suo moto cognizance of the matter and passed an order after media reports on the demolition. The apex court has also agreed to consider the proposal of constructing a separate building in the premises for those whose apartments are to be demolished.

“We were badly disturbed by the development that is taking place at Campa Cola premises in Mumbai. Apart from legal issues, there is also a human problem in the case”, the Supreme Court said.

Meanwhile, the Attornery General told the court that he would come up with a proposal for a permanent solution. The colony had adequate Floor Space Index for the new building to be built, said the lawyer representing the residents of the society. The AG will submit the proposal by Tuesday.

“Diwali has finally arrived. The Supreme Court has understood our plight,” said a resident at the compound, while celebrating the Supreme Court’s order.

But while the residents rejoiced, politicians used the SC verdict to score some brownie points for their respective parties.

“We have been with the residents for the last one year. Today’s victory is because of our hard work. The battle has just begun, Shiv Sena will make sure the residents get justice for even if the SC relief has come, it is the state government that is responsible for the Campa Cola situation, " said Shiv Sena spokesman Rahul Narvekar.

Once the residents began booing the state government and congratulating the Shiv Sena for this immediate win, Union Minister Milind Deora  warned Maharashtra Chief Minister Prithviraj Chavan of dire consequences if the legal opinion is not taken in the matter.

“The force being used today is very wrong. These are innocent people, they are not violent. I will take this issue to the Centre and will complain to the Congress’s high command if proper action won’t be taken on it,” said Milind Deora.

In the morning, the municipal staff with police help barged into the compound in South Mumbai by breaking open the gates. The residents were involved in scuffles with police who forcibly moved them away from the gate to facilitate access for the civic squad.

“We will now lodge an FIR against the Mumbai police and BMC officials for manhandling us, inuring the women and children of the society as well as destroying the society’s gate, said another resident.

But for the moment, the euphoric residents are busy rejoicing the Supreme Court order.