HC Allows Book Maker to Occupy Dilapidated Building at Own Risk

The Bombay High Court has allowed a book manufacturer to continue to operate from rented premises in a dilapidated building in Sewri, but at its own risk.

- HT Correspondent

MUMBAI: In the event the building collapses, the landlord or the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) will not be held responsible for any loss of life or property, the court said. It added that the book manufacturer would be responsible if any loss or damage is suffered by third parties due to such an untoward incident.

Janata Book Manufacturing Depot had approached the court after the BMC disconnected water and electricity supply to the building, claiming that the structure was "dangerously dilapidated". The book manufacturer, which occupied the ground floor, contended that the action was high-handed and taken at the behest of the landlord to get the building vacated.

The petitioner informed the court that the property owner, Beauty Arts Dyers and Cleaners Pvt Ltd, had on February 23, 2025, received a notice from the BMC, instructing them to submit a structural stability report of the 60-year-old building.