SC stays demolition of Adarsh Housing Society apartment

Mumbai: The Supreme Court on Friday has put a stay on the demolition of the scam-hit Adarsh Housing Society Apartment in Mumbai and directed the centre to take over its possession until August 5.

SC bench comprised of justices J Chelameswar and A M Sapre expressed their fury over the delay in finding a resolution in the controversy surrounding the membership allotment in the society.

The bench said, "We will not permit you (Society) to deal with it anymore."

The court proceedings:

• Solicitor General Ranjit Kumar, who was appearing for the Centre, assured that building won’t be demolished and the land will be secured

• Registrar General of Bombay High Court has been asked to ensure the possession of building to the centre on or before August 5

• Apex Court has asked the handing over of documents and records related to the housing society building to the centre

The Bombay High Court on April 29 had directed the civic bodies to demolish the 31-storey scam-ridden Adarsh Housing Society building. The court had also sought criminal cases against politicians and bureaucrats involved in the construction of an illegal skyscraper.

However, the demolition work was later stayed for 12 weeks by a division bench over a plea seeking time to file an appeal in the Supreme Court.