The Campa Cola Compound (Worli, Mumbai) case is a classic case of apartment buyers falling prey to the unholy alliance of greedy builders and unethical officials. In 1982, the builders were permitted to construct up to five floors, yet they built several illegal floors on each building, including two towers, without any BMC nod. Having declared the additional floors illegal and ordered for their demolition, in October the Supreme Court granted a four week stay as breathing time to the residents of Campa Cola Society to vacate their illegal flats. The apex court said residents could stay till 11 November only. Instead of complying with the decision of the Supreme Court the residents were attempting to seek the government's help to overcome the problem through an Ordinance and stall the Supreme Court ruling. It is unfortunate that having failed in that attempt the residents are now facing the eviction and demolition of the flats found to be illegal by the Supreme Court.
On 10th November 2013, the Mysore Grahakara Parishat at its monthly meeting had elaborately explained the precautions to be taken by an apartment buyer and had suggested that a copy of the CR, Completion Report issued by the competent authority is a must before a buyer takes possession of his new flat. The Campa Cola case is an example of what could happen if such legal requirements are not complied with. Very soon MGP is coming out with an folder listing Dos and Donts for apartment buyers in Mysore.
The judgement can be read here (pdf).
R Chandraprakash, President, MGP