Bombay HC clears unsafe Vasai buildings for demolition

The Bombay High Court has ordered the demolition of severely dilapidated but structurally unsafe buildings in two residential societies of Vasai (West), saying that public safety should take precedence over the opposition of a minority of residents.

The division bench of Justices GS Kulkarni and Manjusha Deshpande held that "once a building is deemed to be unsafe, residents cannot hinder the municipal corporation from demolishing it, nor can the members of the minority delay decisions of redevelopment taken by an overwhelming majority."

The order is regarding buildings H-1 and H-2 of Deepanjali CHS and H-3 and H-4 of Pushpanjali CHS of the Diwan and Sons Housing Enclave on Ambadi Road. 

Key highlights:

• Bombay High Court directs VVCMC to demolish structurally unsafe buildings in Vasai (West), prioritizing public safety
• 87 percent of Pushpanjali CHS and 92 percent of Deepanjali CHS members backed redevelopment; minority objections cannot delay demolition
• Residents granted limited time to vacate, demolition costs to be borne by housing societies and recoverable by the civic body

The Vasai-Virar City Municipal Corporation (VVCMC) had marked these as C-1- too risky to live in, on February 28, 2025. Contradictory structural reports had initially resulted in confusion, but the Technical Advisory Committee of the VVCMC affirmed the buildings were unsafe on June 27, leading to demolition notices on July 1.

The court observed that 87% of Pushpanjali CHS members and 92 percent of Deepanjali CHS members had supported redevelopment and appointed a developer. "A minority of members cannot be allowed to derail redevelopment when the buildings have been declared unsafe by the government," the bench said, further observing that objections "cannot pose risks to lives or delay demolition of dangerous buildings."

Also Read: Noida Authority Demolishes 60 Illegal Buildings

Granting residents extra time for exit during the Ganesh festival, the court had insisted that they file undertakings promising unconditional evacuation. Default would give the VVCMC the right to have them evicted with police help. The court also made it clear that demolition expenses will be paid by the housing societies and can be recovered by the civic body.

The order is just days after 17 individuals lost their lives in Virar when a portion of an illegal four-storey building collapsed on August 27, highlighting the need for prompt action against unsafe buildings.