Full Order Text
Final Order 1 · 13 Aug 2020 · CNR MHCC010044392020
Order Details: Other Pdf Text: DRAFT NM 1 Su. No.3974 of 2020 IN THE CITY CIVIL COURT FOR GREATER BOMBAY AT MUMBAI. ORDER ON AD INTERIM RELIEF ON DRAFT NOTICE OF MOTION IN L.C. STAMP N0. 3974 OF 2020 1.Lal Sharan Co-operative Housing Society ] A Co-operative housing society registered under ] The Maharashtra Co-operative Societies Act,1960 ] Registration No. BOM/WM/HSG/TC/4103/88-89] of 1989, Having address at Ram Tekadi Road, ] Chembur Camp, Chembur, Mumbai - 400074 ] 2. Mr. Inderjit Singh Lamba ] Hon. Chairman ] Lal Sharan Co-operative Housing Soceity Ltd. ] Having address at Shop No.3, Ram Tekadi Road, ] Chembur Camp, Chembur, ] Mumbai – 400074. ]…Plaintiff No. 1 & 2 Versus 1.Municipal Corporation of Greater ] Mumbai, ] Having office at ] Mahapalika Marg, Mahapalika Road, ] Mumbai 400001 ] 2.Technical Advisory Committee, ] Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai ] M-West Ward, Municipal Office, ] Sharadbhau Acharya Marg, ] Chambur, Mumbai - 400009 ] ...Defendant 1 & 2 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Appearances:- Ld. Adv. Mr. Shailesh Pal with Dharmin Sampat for the Plaintiff. Ld. Adv. Mr.Abhijit Mangade with Adv.Mrs. Chandramore for defendant / MCGM. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- -- 1 of 24 -- DRAFT NM 2 Su. No.3974 of 2020 CORAM : HIS HONOUR JUDGE SHRI U.J.MORE (Court Room no. 8) DATED : 13th AUGUST, 2020 O R A L O R D E R O N A D - I N T E R I M R E L I E F 1. This notice of motion filed by the plaintiff against the defendant corporation for injuctive relief that, still pending the hearing and final disposal to the suit. This court to please to direct the defendants not to disconnect the electricity and the water supply in any manner whatsoever nature. 2. It is also requested still pending the hearing and final disposal to the suit. This court be pleased to appoint one of the structural auditors from the panel of this code to conduct the survey and submit his report before this court and he be appointed as a court Commissioner. 3. It is also prayed that still pending the hearing defendants be directed to appoint independent structural auditor from the panel to conduct NDT test of the cell structure and submit the report to court. 4. Per Contra the defendant has strongly objected to the notice of motion filed by the plaintiff. It is contended that, notice under -- 2 of 24 -- DRAFT NM 3 Su. No.3974 of 2020 section 353 of MMC Act dated 22nd January, 2019 was issued to plaintiff. As per notice society has carried out structural audit through Barve Consultants licensed structural engineer and submitted report on 19th March, 2019 to the defendant corporation. 5. According to structural report along with proforma B, that building is categorized as C1 category as dangerous building ,the same is required to pull down. It is further submitted that, report of consultant Mr. Harshad Dholakiya who was second structural auditor appointed by the plaintiff society states that, the building is C-2A type which can be repaired. 6. Being conflicted two reports it was referred to technical advisory committee (herein after called as TAC). TAC submits a report on 19th June, 2020 which categories the building as a C-1 category. As per TAC report of Mr Harsh Dholkiya is not proper as NDT test has not been carried out as per plaintiff. 7. Plaintiff submits that, they are willing to execute an indemnity bond cum undertaking from members to indemnity Mumbai Municipal Corporation as regard to the structure of building and same can be repaired. proper NDT test of consultants have been obtained and copy of the same is enclosed at exhibit. -- 3 of 24 -- DRAFT NM 4 Su. No.3974 of 2020 8. It is one of the ground a plaintiff that defendants ought to have had given opportunity both the plaintiff to produce stability certificate along with structure audit report by including interest but TAC committee has neglected to do so even after also the building is in sound condition. It is therefore prayed to declare that notice is illegal. It is they prayed for above discussed injuctive relief. 9. Defendant filed affidavit cum reply and strongly objected to the notice of motion. It is stated that, after issuance of notice under section 353 B dated 22nd January, 2019 structural audit report along the proforma-B of building filed by Barve Consultant on behalf of the plaintiff society with the report of suit building categorized as a C1 category. 10. Second reports filed by Harshad Dholakia on behalf of the plaintiff society on 26th November, 2019 and classified the Suit building into C-2 category as partial evacuation and needs major structural repairs. Due to conflicting report it was referred to TAC which submitted its report on 19th June, 2020, which declared the suit structure as a C-1 category. -- 4 of 24 -- DRAFT NM 5 Su. No.3974 of 2020 11. As per guidelines provided by the order of Hon’ble High Court in W.P. No.1135 of 2014 TAC has been Established and therefore, it is a supreme authority in the process of classification of buildings categorizing. After receipt of the decision designated officer has issued intimation dated 23rd June, 2022 to all occupants along with the amended corrigendum to all tenants including petitioner dated 13th July, 2020 for a vacation of building. 12. The defendant has issued a notice under section 354 MMC Act dated 14th July, 2020 in name of Chairman/ Secretary/ Tenants i.e. all occupants of the suit building be linked to put down the Suit building and to prevent all cause of danger therefore and setup proper and sufficient board or fence for the protection of passers by another person’s within 7 days as mentioned therein, in order to prevent all cause of danger. 13. The defendant has proposed an action for discontinuation of electricity and water supply to suit building after preparing the “Area Statement” for the suit building and submitting the same all occupants. Dependent undertake to bound and oblige to follow the guidelines of W.P. No.1135 of 2014 while executing notice under section 354 and hence the demolition action will be initiated only after the completion of Area Statement activity. -- 5 of 24 -- DRAFT NM 6 Su. No.3974 of 2020 14. However, before initiating any action about demolition and compliance of guidelines the plaintiff has moved before this court and praying for injunction against the defendant for quashing the notice and TAC report which has been legal in our respect and no question of any violation of provisions of MMC act and guidelines and it's prayed for rejection of a notice of motion. 15. Heard both sides. 16. Perused plaint along with all the document filed by the plaintiff. Perused Affidavit cum reply alongwith all the documents filed by defendant. It is admitted fact that the as there were the conflicted structural audit reports filed by M/s Barve consultant with proforma B on 21st February, 2019 classifying suit building in C1 category. Second report filed by Harsh Dholkiya on behalf of plaintiff society dated 19th March, 2019 classifying Suit building in the category of C2B that is repairable building. 17. After going through all the documents filed by the defendant, which transpires that the notice under section 353 B was issued on 22nd January, 2019. Structural audit report file by M/s Barve Consultant transpires that, "Building needs to be vacated /demolished" Whereas the -- 6 of 24 -- DRAFT NM 7 Su. No.3974 of 2020 letter dated 27th July attached with rejoinder of defendant transpires request made by Mr. Harshad Dholkiya structural auditor to the MCGM corporation “So as safety measures have been erected the risk to the building on the overall has reduced and the state of the building is also not that bad that needs immediate evacuation and requires to be immediately be pull-down” 18. As per guidelines for declaring private building as a seven category dated 22nd August, 2016 in reference with W.P. No. 1135 of 2014 and W.P. No. 1080 2015, “The point 2.06 States if the equipment’s tenants submit conflicting reports on the status of the building, the matter shall be referred to one of the concern technical advisory committee (T.A.C.) and decision of TAC will be final and binding on all the parties concerned.” 19. Whereas plaintiff is trying to cover his own case with other ways by appointing structural auditor for making additional support to the existing building which is not permitted by the law when as per the Hon’ble High Court W.P. No. 1135 of 2014 and the MCGM guideline dated 25.05.2018 when the conflicting structural audit reports have been considered categorically by the technical advisory committee on merit by giving a proper hearing within the purview of principle of natural Justice again plaintiff cannot appoint structural auditor for -- 7 of 24 -- DRAFT NM 8 Su. No.3974 of 2020 erection of props are making any work in the building which is declared as a dilapidated building which needs to be pulled on immediately for the safety of the 12 unit holders residing in the suite building and the passer by also. 20. There is no substance in the argument advanced by the learned advocate for the plaintiff that the one more chance be given by sending matter for structural auditor and to carry out there NDT it test in the building when the TAC report is received by the plaintiff and others. 21. Plaintiff being registered society also requested to the corporation by letter dated 24th September, 2019 to give some time until clear policy of redevelopment is available. On this submission. Developer is Bajaj Construction. This document is file on record by plaintiff which transpires that, Bajaj constructions has withdrawn from the redevelopment policy with the plan to society and giving NOC to make agreement with another developer. plaintiff failed to file on record any document that redevelopment policy is implemented by the Tenant Association at present period. As this letter belongs to the year 2019 and we are in August 2020 building is the categorized as a C1 category by TAC. -- 8 of 24 -- DRAFT NM 9 Su. No.3974 of 2020 22. The corporation officers inspected the suit premises as per the inspection report which also transpires the building is in dangerous condition and needs to be vacated and demolished. The notice of TAC committee received by all the land owner and tenant as per letter dated 23rd June, 2020. 23. Accordingly, the committee passed the observation as follows: "Lal Sharan Co-operative Housing Society, Ramtekadi Road, Chembur Camp, Mumbai-74 is structurally deteriorated and is in dilapidated condition. The building may collapse without giving any warning thereby endangering life and property of occupants of the building and also the occupants of the adjoining properties and passes thereby. In View of above it is anonymously declared that the above cited structure falls under C1 category under the circumstances the structure under reference needs to be vacated and demolished immediately. to avoid any untoward incidents in future, urgent necessary action shall be taken by M /West staff as per policy guidelines issued in this regards" This observation transpires the condition of building in a dangerous position which needs to be evacuated immediately and demolished for the safety of the all the persons. -- 9 of 24 -- DRAFT NM 10 Su. No.3974 of 2020 24. The highlights of the guidelines given by the Honourable division bench of our Hon’ble High Court in Writ Petition number 1135 of 2014. 6 Section 354 of the said Act reads as under- "Dangerous Structures 354 Removal of structures, etc., which are in ruins or likely to fall. - (1) If it shall at any time appear to the Commissioner that any structure (including under this expression any building, wall or other structure and anything affixed to or projecting from, any building, wall or other structure) is in a ruinous conditions, or likely to fall, or in 6 wpl1135-14-24.6.2014.sxw any way dangerous to any person occupying, resorting to or passing by such structure or any other structure or place in the neighbourhood thereof, the Commissioner may, by written notice, require the owner or occupier of such structure to pull down, secure or repair such structure, subject to the provisions of section 342, and to prevent all cause of danger therefrom. The Commissioner may also if he thinks fit, require the said owner or occupier, by the said notice, either forthwith or before proceeding to pull down, secure or repair the said structure, to set up a proper and sufficient hoard or fence for the protection of passers by and other persons, with a convenient platform and handrail, if there be room enough for the same and the -- 10 of 24 -- DRAFT NM 11 Su. No.3974 of 2020 Commissioner shall think the same desirable, to serve as a footway for passengers outside of such hoard or fence." The Corporation will, before classifying a building under category C-1, conduct their own independent inspection and assessment with the help of the Engineers of their Department and carry out a survey of such building(s). The report of Structural Audit shall be taken into account. The Corporation shall consider the report of Structural Engineer appointed by the owners and/or occupants classifying the building as dilapidated and dangerous. If the owners and/or the occupants bring conflicting reports on the status of the building, the Corporation shall refer the matter to Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) under the Chairmanship of Director (ES&P) with at least 3 other members, viz. City Engineer, Chief Engineer (DP) and Chief Engineer (P&D). The TAC shall: i) Carry out a visual inspection of the state of the internal and external plaster, plumbing, drainage, whether the doors and windows close properly, whether steel in columns is exposed, whether there is settlement in the foundation, deflections/ -- 11 of 24 -- DRAFT NM 12 Su. No.3974 of 2020 sagging, major cracks in columns/beams, seepages/leakages, staircase area and column condition, lift well walls, U.G. tank, O.H. tank column condition, parapet at terraces, chhajas, common areas, terrace water proofing. ii) Carry out specific tests like ultrasonic pulse velocity test, rebound hammer test, half cell potential test, carbonation depth test, core test, chemical analysis, cement aggregate ratio as may be considered by TAC as necessary. If it is found after due notice that the building(s) is in a highly dangerous or in dilapidated condition, then in that event, the Corporation shall also make a list of the names of the tenants and/or occupiers in the said building and the carpet area of the premises in their respective occupation and possession including the floor at which the same has been occupied. A copy of such list will be furnished to the landlord and/or owner/builder of the said building. The Corporation thereafter, will issue a notice under section 354 of the said Act calling upon such tenants and/or occupiers to vacate the said premises and if such notice under section 354 of the said Act has already been issued, then in that event the Corporation will give 7 days' -- 12 of 24 -- DRAFT NM 13 Su. No.3974 of 2020 notice to such tenants/occupiers, copies whereof will be furnished to the landlord for vacating the said building(s). If such tenant and/or occupier is not available, the Corporation shall affix such notice or Letter of Evacuation on any part of such premises. The Corporation shall then take steps to turn off the water, supply, electric power and gas to such building immediately before the removal of occupiers. In the case of a municipal owned building(s), the Corporation will issue Letter of Evacuation to every person in occupation of the said building or part thereof to vacate the said building along with their belongings within the said period of 7 days from date of issuance of such notice of Letter of Evacuation in respect of municipal owned building(s). The notice issued to such occupiers shall contain the name of the occupier and the area in his occupation and also the floor at which the premises are located. In case, if such tenant and/or occupier is not available, the Corporation shall affix such notice or Letter of Evacuation on any part of such premises. -- 13 of 24 -- DRAFT NM 14 Su. No.3974 of 2020 In the event, a person occupying such tenement whether of the privately owned building(s) or building(s) owned by Corporation or any other authority refuses to vacate the said premises, then the police shall remove such person from the said premises by using nominal force if required for the same. The police may use such force as is reasonably necessary to remove such person and/or occupiers and/or allottee along with their belongings from the said premises, without causing damage to their movables. The Corporation may then demolish such dangerous and dilapidated building. The rights of the tenants and/or occupiers and/or owners in respect of the said premises/property will not be affected by virtue of evacuation or demolition carried out by the Corporation of such dilapidated and dangerous building in exercise of the power under section 354 of the said Act or by virtue of the fact that the Corporation is the owner of the premises. Such tenant and/or occupier and/or owner will be entitled to re-occupy the premises in respect of the same area after the reconstruction of the building, subject to the prevalent -- 14 of 24 -- DRAFT NM 15 Su. No.3974 of 2020 provisions of law pertaining to redevelopment of the property or subject to any arrangement or agreement arrived at by and between such tenants and/or occupiers with the owner of the building. Any action of evacuation/removal/demolition will not affect the inter se rights of owners if there be more than one owner or there is a dispute as to the title of the property. If there are any pending suits/proceedings and there are any restraint orders passed, the Corporation shall be free to apply for vacating and/or modifying such orders, which applications shall be decided on its own merits and in accordance with law. In respect of the private owned buildings, if such building falls in cessed category as contemplated under the provisions of the Maharashtra Housing and Area Development Act, 1976, then in that event, it will be the duty of MHADA/ MBR&RB to provide temporary alternate arrangement in a transit camp for transit accommodation, in accordance with law, as early as possible. In case privately owned buildings are demolished by the Corporation in exercise of power under Section 354 read with the present order, then the Corporation shall, while granting sanction of redevelopment, impose a condition in IOD -- 15 of 24 -- DRAFT NM 16 Su. No.3974 of 2020 (Intimation of Disapproval) that no Commencement Certificate will be issued under section 45 of the MRTP Act, 1966 unless and until an Agreement either providing a Permanent Alternate Accommodation in a newly constructed building or a settlement is arrived at by and between the tenants and/or occupiers and the landlord in respect of the said demolished premises, is filed with the Corporation at the earliest. It is reiterated that this order covers only C-1 category buildings which are unsafe and declared as dangerous, and the demolition, if any, shall be carried out by the Corporation in accordance with law and in no manner pre-empts/curtails the rights of any person/s from objecting and/or approaching the Court and if a case is made out to pass appropriate orders on its own merits and in accordance with law. It is also clarified that during the interregnum, in appropriate cases, the Corporation would be at liberty to take all safety measures, including propping up, etc., of the buildings/premises and enclose/fence the surrounding area in accordance with law. 25. The above discussion seems that the defendant corporation has complied of the circular dated 25th May, 2018 as per point wise 1.02, 1.03, 1.04 (Tenants occupants structural audit report) 1.05 (if -- 16 of 24 -- DRAFT NM 17 Su. No.3974 of 2020 there are conflicting audit reports the matter shall be referred to TLC and TLC report is mandatory), 1.07, 1.08 (issuance of notice under 354 MMC act to pull down the building). Therefore, it is crystal clear that the corporation has complied in view of the direction of bounded Hon’ble High Court Writ Petition number 1135 of 2014 and the MCGM circular dated 25th May, 2018 the compliance is covered by the corporation till point number 1.08. 26. As far as regarding point number 1.09, it is bounden duty of an owner to submit Area Statement in writing including the names of the occupants of the building from his record the area in occupation and location of premises in occupation position of each of the respective occupiers or tenants as the case may be alongwith the supporting document the list submitted by the owner shall be certified by the assistant commissioner. 27. In failure the officer of the corporation shall make a list of the name of the tenants /occupiers in the said building and the carpet area of the premises in there is their respective occupation and position including the floor at which the same has been occupied and copy shall be given to the tenants occupiers. The inspection report alongwith the inventory report photographs, video shooting shall be kept on record the corporation can take help of the approved plans and then certified -- 17 of 24 -- DRAFT NM 18 Su. No.3974 of 2020 the area as per approved plan in absence of approved plan the existing area in occupation of tenants occupants shall be certified by the municipal officer and it will be final. 28. On this point the corporation has not complied as a document file on record that is bounden duty of the corporation to prepare the Area Statement and certified it if it is not complied by the owner. The failure on the part of the owner can be subject to the action taken by the corporation as per law but the Area Statement is mandatory for the rights of the tenants’ occupiers in the building. 29. Lastly notice is proposed to cut-off light supply and vacation has been given to the tenant occupiers landlord and copies were served on the police station as well as MSEDCL. The suit is filed for relief that, the defendants shall not disconnect the electricity and water supply in any manner. 30. It is also prayed to appoint structure auditor from the panel of the court to conduct survey. It is also prayed independent structure auditor to conduct NDT test of suit property. It is permitted by law advocate for the plaintiff that the report filed by the way consultant is not on the plaintiff. -- 18 of 24 -- DRAFT NM 19 Su. No.3974 of 2020 31. The report attached with the letter dated 19th March, 2019 issued by the plaintiff society to the corporation which specifically mentioned that we are submitting our structure audit report done by "Barve Consultants". Therefore, there is no substance in the submission that, this structure audit report is not file on behalf of the plaintiff society. 32. It is always by the plant that no NDT test has been carried out by the “Barve Consultant.” Where is the report dated 21st February, 2019 at column 7C. It is specifically mentioned about the carrying out NDT test. It is law settled by the Hon’ble our High Court that the TAC report is a final and it has binding force on the both the parties. 33. At the time of making order on Notice of Motion today defendant has filed Structural Audit report prepared by Techno Consultants. It revels from the report “As there are no buckling of columns and also no settlement of foundation and propping has been done at ground floor wherever there is cracks in structural members, the building can easily sustain six to eight months, the building can be said to be in C2-A Category.” Ld. Advocate for the plaintiff pithily submited that one chance be given to the plaintiff as the redevelopment process is going on and this new Structural Audit Report is in favour of -- 19 of 24 -- DRAFT NM 20 Su. No.3974 of 2020 plaintiff. Categorizing suit building C-2A category which can be repairable. 34. Per contra, Senior Counsel for the MCGM strongly objected to consider this report after TAC. It is argued that already TAC has pass the order by classifying suit property into C-1 category. NDT test already done by Barve Consultant appointed by society itself. This report filed by Techno Consultant is false report at the stage of passing of N.M. order to delay the matter. I have gone through again carefully the observation of Hon’ble High Court in W.P. No. 1135 of 2014 and W.P. No. 1080 of 2016 and the MCGM order dated 25.05.2011 it nowhere permits to allow occupants/landlord/tenants to file new Structural Audit Report when TAC committee has formed opinion. Therefore, this report cannot be consider at this stage. I have gone through the observation of this report which shows “prop placed at various locations. There were cracks on external walls at many places. There many major cracks in columns and beems also. Photographs filed by plaintiff in this new report also transpires the support is given to the building which itself seem in ruinous condition and hence, needs to be pull down immediately as per TAC report according to law. 35. I have gone through a photographs filed on record by both the parties; the photographs filed by the defendant corporation -- 20 of 24 -- DRAFT NM 21 Su. No.3974 of 2020 transpires that, the poor condition of the building which does not support the contention of the plaintiff that this building can be prop and with support it can be repaired. Therefore, at this stage considering the dilapidated condition of a building the plaintiffs is theory to give one more chance for above reasons by appointing structural auditor again referring the matter before the TAC which is not permissible by law. 36. Plaintiff society want to redevelopment cannot be ground in a condition of the dilapidated building to wait for building to be collapse and search and cause any casualties. Therefore plaintiff has failed to prove prima facie case that he is entitled for the injunctive to relief by considering the document file on the record at this stage. 37. The plaintiff has failed to prove that, the corporation failed in compliance of the guidelines issued by Hon’ble Bombay High Court and the MCGM circular dated 25th may 2018. 38. The corporation has acted bonafidely and lastly issued notice under 354 for the evacuation of suit premises being in a dangerous position for the safety of tenant/ occupants and plaintiff also. I am of the concrete opinion that, the plaintiff has not come with clean hands. He cannot avoid responsibility to coordinate with the corporation for safe evacuation of a tenant's/ occupier from the suit -- 21 of 24 -- DRAFT NM 22 Su. No.3974 of 2020 building. It is bounden duty of the plaintiff to protect the rights of the tenants and occupiers which doesn't seems that it is complied in this case. 39. It is settled principle of law that one who seek equity shall stand on his own legs. Therefore, the relief of injunction cannot be granted in these circumstances of the case in favour of the plaintiff. Accordingly, I pass the following order. ORDER 1) The prayer (a) (b) and (c) notice of motion are rejected being devoid of merit. 2) The defendant corporation would be at liberty to take all safety measures, including propping up, at etc. Of the building /premises and enclose/fence the surrounding area in accordance with law. 3) The defendant corporation is at liberty to take effective steps as per the guideline given by the Hon’ble High Court in Writ Petition number 1135 of 2014 and shall act in accordance with law. 4) The inter se rights of the tenants/ occupiers /owners will not be affected by virtue of evacuation order or demolition carried out by the corporation of such dilapidated and dangerous building in excess of the power under section 354 of the MMC Act. 5) Draft N.M. disposed off accordingly. -- 22 of 24 -- DRAFT NM 23 Su. No.3974 of 2020 (U.J.More) Judge, City Civil Court, Gr. Mumbai. Date: 13.08.2020 Dictated on : 13.08.2020 Transcribed on : 13.08.2020 Signed by HHJ on : 13.08.2020 -- 23 of 24 -- DRAFT NM 24 Su. No.3974 of 2020 CERTIFIED TO BE TRUE AND CORRECT COPY OF THE ORIGINAL SIGNED JUDGMENT/ORDER.” UPLOAD DATE AND TIME : 19.10.2020 at 12.50 a.m. NAME OF STENOGRAPHER : Mr.G.R.Suryawanshi Name of the Judge (With Court Room no.) HHJ Shri. U.J.More C.R. no.08 Date of Pronouncement of JUDGMENT/ORDER 13.08.2020 JUDGMENT/ORDER signed by P.O. on 13.08.2020 JUDGMENT/ORDER uploaded on 19.10.2020 (Because of order is on draft motion and draft motion registered on 15/10/2020) -- 24 of 24 --
