SHRC slams BMC over ‘vague and casual’ masjid affidavit

The commission warns that such an approach makes it impossible to remove unauthorised structures

- Pranali Lotlikar MUMBAI

The State Human Rights Commission (SHRC) has come down heavily on the BMC for filing a "vague and casual" affidavit in a serious matter concerning alleged illegal construction at the 60-year-old Anjuman Jama Masjid in Malwani, warning that such an approach makes it "impossible to remove unauthorised structures".

Questioning how a photopass can be issued to such structures, the SHRC said that the "photograph placed on record by the complainant clearly shows an RCC permanent structure with more than ground floor and two storeys". The commission said, "The affidavit filed by the BMC is vague. It is surprising how the commissioner filed such an affidavit in such a serious matter." Advocate Sagar Patil, appearing for BMC, then sought time to file a detailed affidavit along with specific action proposed.