"Use of force is the last thing that we will do. If it (eviction) is happening peacefully, it's welcome. (However) if the eviction does not happen peacefully, there is no other option than to use force. But why should there be any confrontation?" Additional Municipal Commissioner Mohan Adtani, in charge of the demolition of flats, told PTI.
"Under the SC directives, the residents are legally bound to vacate their flats, but if they fail to do so we might use force against them as last resort," he said.
Seven high-rise buildings of Campa Cola Housing Society in South Munbai were constructed between 1981 and 1989. The builders had permission for only six floors. However, one of the compound buildings, 'Midtown', has 20 floors and another building, 'Orchid', has got 17 floors.
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Adtani said that the residents have realised after the supreme court order that they have entirely lost the case.
The MCGM had asked the residents to hand over the keys of their flats and vacate them. The deadline expired on June 2.
"So far they (residents) had thought that they will find a (legal) solution (against the eviction). But after yesterday's court order they (the residents) have probably realised that they have lost the case completely, and have started vacating (their flats). This a sign of new hope for us," Adtani said.