Mumbai’s 170-year-old Magen David Synagogue in Byculla has found itself at the centre of controversy after the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) issued a stop-work notice to its trustees. The civic body alleges that unauthorised repair work was being carried out on the Grade 2B heritage structure without the necessary permissions.
The BMC stated that the trustees had not sought the required No Objection Certificate (NOC) before initiating renovation work on the synagogue—a mandatory step under heritage conservation laws. “We did not receive any application seeking approval. As a result, we have issued a stop-work notice and asked the trustees to submit a report outlining the nature of the work, along with related documents and plans,” a civic official told The Indian Express. The next course of action will be determined once the documents are reviewed.
The repair activity reportedly commenced last week and was promptly brought to light by restaurateur Moshe Shek, a prominent member of Mumbai’s Jewish community.
Situated in the densely populated Byculla area, the Magen David Synagogue is a historic landmark for the Baghdadi Jewish community in South Mumbai. The building is known for its striking blue façade, tall frontal columns, and an iconic clock tower. Inside, the synagogue features vibrant blue interiors, fluorescent lighting, and a double-height sanctuary with a gallery.
As per state heritage regulations, all repairs to Grade 2B listed structures require prior consent from the BMC, irrespective of their ownership or community significance.
The incident has sparked discussions around the need for balance between heritage conservation and routine maintenance of ageing community spaces. The synagogue’s trustees are now expected to respond with detailed documentation to clarify the scope of the ongoing works.
Source: The Free Press Journal
