BMC Orders Eviction and Closure of Orchid City Centre Mall in Mumbai Central
The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation has ordered the immediate closure and eviction of all occupants from Orchid City Centre Mall on Bellasis Road in Mumbai Central. The civic body's action follows a directive from the Supreme Court, strictly prohibiting anyone from entering, using, or occupying the fire-damaged building until all required structural repairs and safety clearances are completed.
The BMC's D Ward issued a formal notice on September 1, instructing shop owners, occupants, and visitors to vacate the premises without delay. The enforcement follows the Supreme Court's August 25 order in the matter of Esa Usman Seliya & Ors v/s The MCGM & Ors. Under the court's directions, the entire commercial complex must remain completely non-functional until the developers repair the structure in all respects and the municipal corporation confirms that every floor is safe for use.
Fire safety clearances are mandatory before any resumption of activity can take place. The Supreme Court specified that the shopping mall can reopen only after all applicable statutory fire safety requirements are fulfilled and competent municipal authorities grant explicit permission for re-entry and re-occupation.
Following the court order, officials from the BMC's Building Proposal department, the Fire Brigade, and D Ward served an eviction intimation to the developers. The developers named include M/s Neelkamal Realtors & Builders Pvt. Ltd., M/s DB Realty, and M/s Neelkamal City Shopping Mall India Ltd. The notice also specifically applies to occupants running shops and commercial units on the ground and first floors, directing them to immediately vacate their galas and units.
The civic body has cautioned occupants that non-compliance will lead to forcible eviction, which would be carried out at the risk and cost of the owners and occupants. The BMC also warned that any unauthorised entry into or continued occupation of the structure would amount to contempt of the Supreme Court's order.
The enforcement is tied to a massive blaze that broke out at Orchid City Centre Mall on October 22, 2020. That fire led to an extensive firefighting operation lasting approximately 56 hours and caused severe damage throughout the complex. The incident also brought scrutiny to unauthorised commercial spaces within the premises, prompting the BMC to demolish more than 700 allegedly unauthorised shops and units. The mall will now remain shut until all 2020 fire-related repair works and required statutory safety approvals are formally secured.
