Bombay High Court bars entry to Ambedkar Bhavan

The Bombay high court on Friday restrained people from entering the premises of the recently-demolished Ambedkar Bhavan and also asked the public to not make any attempt to restore or rebuild the structure situated in Central Mumbai’s Dadar area.

The HC was hearing an application filed by People’s Improvement Trust, which runs the Ambedkar Bhavan in Dadar, against the proposed rebuilding of the demolished structure through voluntary contributions. The application is filed as B.R. Ambedkar’s grandson Prakash Ambedkar has called for the followers of the late dalit icon to assemble at the premises on July 30 and rebuild and restore the structure.

According to the trust, it had received a notice on June 1 from the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) directing it to demolish the three structures in the premises as these were in a dilapidated and dangerous condition. Following the notice, the trust started demolition work on June 25. However, that same day, Dr Ambedkar’s supporters, mobilised by his grandson Prakash Ambedkar, entered the premises and protested against the demolition.

The petitioner has further stated that Prakash Ambedkar has now called for his grandfather’s followers to assemble at the premises on July 30 and rebuild and restore the structure.

While hearing the petition, Justice S.J. Kathawala restrained people from entering the said premises either individually or as a group and also directed that the status quo be maintained till August 1, when the matter would be heard. “I do not want anyone to do anything till this matter is heard. Maintain status quo. If some person breaches this order, then the commissioner of police will take necessary action,” the judge said.