Dinesh Kamath's news item 'Home minister intervenes in Nerul Palm Towers demolition row; Orders a thorough probe into the case' that was published in Newsband

Home minister intervenes in Nerul Palm Towers demolition row

Orders a thorough probe into the case

By Dinesh Kamath

NAVI MUMBAI: Home minister R R Patil has told the urban development department (UDD) to thoroughly probe a recent demolition controversy at Palm Towers Cooperative Housing Society, Nerul, Sector 42 A. He told the UDD secretary to submit a report within a month.

The Unit Holders v/s Palm Tower Co-Hsg Society issue was raised in the House during question hour by Member of Legislative Assembly Shri Balasaheb Nandgaonkar. Shri Nandgaonkar asked why the police interfere in spite of the Supreme Court and High Court orders.

On 9^th March Members of Palm Towers Co – op Housing Society in Navi Mumbai brought down 40 shops from its premises notwithstanding a Supreme Court order against the same. Not only did the society lose its case in the Supreme Court but in the High Court and lower court as well. This was done allegedly to use the FSI to make legal the extra three floors the Society constructed.

Nandgaonkar had questioned how the demolition could take place despite shop owners getting favourable orders from the Supreme Court and Bombay high court. Jitendra Awhad (NCP) asked if the role of the local town planning department would also be looked into. Patil assured the House that all aspects of the Palm Towers case would be looked into, and if any official or citizen was found guilty, action would be taken by the state.

The society had decided to demolish shopping units but the affected owners produced latest court verdicts to counter that claim.

People and offices under the investigation are the Navi Mumbai Nagar Palika Officers, Palm Towers Cooperative Housing Society Managing Committee and contractor. Patil has also assured that appropriate action will be taken against those found guilty.