Mumbai: Over two months after declaring a 129-year-old commercial building in Fort dilapidated and serving a notice for demolition, BMC has appointed a contractor for the work. The five-storey building, Vikas Premises, also houses iconic Parsi eatery Jimmy Boy.BMC had in June tagged it under the ‘C1′ dangerous category, requiring immediate demolition, after cracks were spotted. The notice was contested in HC by the building’s occupants. The court on July 2 dismissed their plea, following which they sought a modification of its order to allow for repairs. They said a more detailed inspection in July had reclassified the building as C-2A, indicating it could be repaired. They said redevelopment would be difficult because of the structure’s heritage status and its proximity to naval establishments. HC will hear the matter on Tuesday, said Jaydip More, assistant municipal commissioner of A ward. “Last week, the advocate representing Vikas Premises urged BMC to refrain from taking any action until the hearing and asked that the appointed contractor be informed of it. But the notice we served stands justified and we will present our case before the court,” he said, adding that the building’s power and water supplies have been disconnected. —Richa Pinto
