Despite receiving directions from the Urban Development (UD) department to restore the Esplanade Mansion as per heritage standards, the Maharashtra Housing and Area Development Authority (MHADA) has decided to stick to its guns on the matter. MHADA countered the state government's last affidavit that reiterated the UD department's stand with the response that the building cannot be restored to its original state unless it is demolished and reconstructed using the same material. Surprised that it is choosing to go against the UD department's stand, activists slammed MHADA for suggesting demolishing a World Heritage Site.

"In view of the IIT Bombay's report, unless and until the building is demolished, it is not possible to restore the building to its original position," MHADA's affidavit said. As such, for its restoration with the same material, the land and the building will have to be acquired.