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The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) recently demolished unauthorised portions at H R College of Commerce and Economics in Churchgate, after the institution failed to produce approved building plans or valid permissions. The removed structures included asbestos terrace sheds, rooms on staircase landings from ground to fifth floor, and two mezzanine floors in the library and under the registrar's office. The action followed repeated notices and rejected regularisation applications dating back to mid 2024. College authorities reported disruption of HSC examinations and shifted some classes online while seeking to regularise remaining constructions.
The BMC's A ward team carried out demolition at the H R College of Commerce and Economics in South Mumbai's Churchgate area after finding several constructions on the campus lacked proper permissions and approved building plans. This action followed a notice under Section 351 of the Mumbai Municipal Corporation Act, initially issued in July 2024. The college had replied in August 2024 but failed to demonstrate the legality of certain structures, as no approved plans or permissions from the competent MCGM authority were submitted. Advertisement
A speaking order was passed in August 2024 declaring multiple structures illegal and subject to demolition and possible prosecution under the Mumbai Municipal Corporation Act. The order specifically mentioned a permanent asbestos sheeted shed on the terrace measuring approximately 11.73 metres by 19.34 metres, rooms built on staircase mid landings from the ground floor to the fifth floor, and two mezzanine floors installed with MS channels and ladders one in the library and another under the registrar's office.
The college applied twice to regularise these constructions, but both applications were rejected. A fresh notice was served about a week before demolition, after which civic officials moved to remove the unauthorised portions. The Assistant Municipal Commissioner of A ward, Jaydip More, stated that sufficient time had been provided for the college to regularise or remove the structures themselves, but when no action was taken, the civic body proceeded with demolition.
College authorities expressed shock at the timing of the action, which took place during HSC examinations. Officials described the structures as decades old, explaining that terrace and mid landing areas were used for student activities due to lack of open ground. They stated they were in the process of regularising all constructions but were not provided even a 48 hour notice before the demolition. The college also noted that while most documents had been submitted, approved plans and CFO surveys were missing. When the college requested these from BMC, they were told the civic body did not possess them either.
Following the demolition, HR College temporarily shifted to online lectures to ensure continuity of academic schedules while clearing debris and assessing campus safety. Some internal tests were postponed, although board examinations continued as planned. College authorities reaffirmed their commitment to complying with regulations while minimizing disruption to students.
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