Aplogise to BMC

Eviction// In June 2013, the Supreme Court had ordered families occupying illegal flats in Mumbai’s Campa Cola Society to vacate the building by May. Their deadline to hand over the keys ended on June 12, 2014, but the residents then threatened to pitch tents in the complex. The residents moved the Supreme Court to buy more time to help legalise their home of three decades. But the court on June 3 rejected their plea and ordered them to vacate their flats. Seven high-rises were constructed at what came to be called the Campa Cola Compound, between 1981 and 1989. The builders had permission for only five floors, but constructed several more. The residents have been fighting a legal battle since 2000, when they first went to the Bombay High Court to legalise their water and power supply.

The Campa Cola society’s battle, reflecting the housing struggles of Mumbai’s middle class, has been an emotive rallying point for politicians over the years and is likely to get more play ahead of the Maharashtra state polls later this year. “Why single out Campa Cola when there are thousands of illegal buildings in Mumbai? The government is not responsive,” said the BJP’s Shaina NC, who has also joined the protests. In their appeal to the President, the residents have mentioned about the ageing population living in the society. They have also suggested ways to legalise the structure. Much hinges on the President’s reply.