The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has initiated the process of issuing a stop work notice to the authorities of the 170-year-old Magen David Synagogue in Byculla, following unauthorised and extensive repair work being carried out without civic permission.
The synagogue, a heritage structure, came under scrutiny after South Mumbai restaurateur Moshe Shek, a member of the Jewish community, shared a video and photographs on social media showing what he described as “bulldozing” of the historic site. Shek also informed BMC Commissioner Bhushan Gagrani, local civic officials, and police authorities about the matter. His footage revealed interiors being ripped apart, causing alarm among residents, heritage activists, and the Jewish community.
Arun Chavan, designated officer of the E ward responsible for Byculla, stated that civic officials first visited the site on Monday evening after receiving complaints but were unable to enter as the premises were locked. A stop work notice was scheduled to be served on Tuesday evening; however, the synagogue remained closed, and the notice will now be delivered on Wednesday to ensure proper acknowledgement.
During an inspection on Tuesday, demolition activity was observed inside the synagogue. Chavan remarked, “It appears the community was unaware of the permissions required. We are issuing a notice under Section 354A of the MMC Act, 1888, to halt all work until official approvals are obtained.” Failure to comply could lead to legal proceedings against the trust overseeing the property.
Shek recounted visiting the site on Sunday, witnessing demolition of structural columns and debris removal. He also reported an altercation where a woman linked to the trust seized his phone and physically confronted him. A complaint has been lodged with Nagpada police.
Solomon Sopher, chairman of the Sir Jacob Sassoon Charity Trust managing the synagogue, dismissed Shek’s claims as “false and malicious”. He explained that structural faults had been identified and a restoration architect estimated repair costs at ₹9.7 crore, which the trust could not afford. Therefore, the trust undertook only basic strengthening measures to protect the building from monsoon damage.
Source: The Times Of India
