02 September,2026 05:11 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
The Orchid City Centre mall had witnessed a major fire on October 22, 2020, which triggered a 56-hour firefighting operation. FILE PIC
The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has ordered the immediate shutdown and eviction of Orchid City Centre Mall on Bellasis Road in Mumbai Central, following a Supreme Court order.
The BMC's D Ward issued a formal notice on September 1, prohibiting entry, use or occupation of the entire building by anyone, including shop owners, occupiers and visitors.
The action follows the Supreme Court's August 25 order in Special Leave to Appeal (C) Nos. 7826-7828/2021, Esa Usman Seliya & Ors v/s The MCGM & Ors.
According to the court's directions, the entire fire-damaged building cannot be used until all repair and safety requirements are fulfilled.
The Supreme Court directed that the premises must remain completely non-functional until the builder carries out repairs to the entire structure in all respects, the BMC is satisfied that all floors are safe for activities and comply with applicable statutory fire safety requirements, and the competent municipal authorities grant explicit permission for re-entry and re-occupation.
Following the court order, the BMC's Executive Engineer (Building Proposal) City-I, Deputy Chief Fire Officer (Zone-I), and Designated Officer/Executive Engineer (B&F), 'D' Ward, issued an eviction intimation to the developers - M/s Neelkamal Realtors & Builders Pvt. Ltd., M/s DB Realty and M/s Neelkamal City Shopping Mall India Ltd. - as well as occupants of shops on the ground and first floors.
The notice directs all occupants to immediately vacate their galas, units and shops.
The civic body has warned that if the occupants fail to comply, the BMC will initiate forcible eviction at the risk and cost of the owners and occupiers.
It further states that any unauthorised entry into or continued occupation of the premises would be treated as contempt of the Supreme Court's order.
The Orchid City Centre mall had witnessed a major fire on October 22, 2020, which triggered a 56-hour firefighting operation. The blaze also exposed the presence of a large number of unauthorised units at the mall, following which the BMC demolished more than 700 such shops.
The Supreme Court's directive means that the mall cannot be utilised until the repair works arising from the 2020 fire are completed and the required safety clearances and permissions are obtained.
