December 11, 2025: The Bombay High Court has questioned the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) over conflicting assessments on the structural safety of Mehta Mahal, a mixed-use building near Charni Road. The court has asked the civic body to establish a clear and defensible position after multiple, inconsistent evaluations created confusion for residents and authorities alike.
The dispute stems from the building’s shifting categorisation within the BMC’s structural grading system. An earlier technical panel classified Mehta Mahal as C2B, a category that calls for urgent repairs without requiring demolition. A later assessment, however, placed it in the C1 category, declaring it unfit for occupation and recommending demolition. These opposing conclusions prompted petitions from the co-operative society occupying part of the property and a private owner of another section, leading the High Court to seek clarity.
In its recent submissions, BMC told the court that Mehta Mahal’s appearance in the C1 list earlier in the year resulted from an internal miscommunication. After reviewing the records, officials said the structure was moved back to the C2 category. The High Court noted that such reversals raise concerns about the reliability of the civic body’s technical processes. A senior civic official acknowledged that overlapping departmental roles often create inconsistencies in structural audits.
Urban governance experts say Mumbai needs more transparent and standardised evaluation systems, especially as ageing buildings face intensified climate-related stresses. With many structures predating contemporary safety norms, predictable and accountable audit mechanisms are essential to protect residents and ensure equitable redevelopment.
The court has now directed the municipal commissioner to scrutinise the complete case file and issue a conclusive determination. It also indicated that members of the technical advisory committee may need to explain their changing assessments, including how their opinion compares with an independent evaluation from a premier engineering institute. The matter will be heard again in January, as residents await clarity on whether the building will be repaired or demolished.
Source: Urban Acres
