The HR College in south Mumbai have decided to temporarily move to online lectures after the BMC demolished illegal encroachment at its premises.
The demolition was conducted on Saturday when the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) reportedly carried out a demolition of unauthorised asbestos sheds, mezzanine floors, and rooms.
The structures had been built illegally on landing areas along staircases from the ground to the fifth floor and under the registrar’s office, sources said.
The civic body had first flagged the issue in 2024 and issued a notice, warning that failure to remove the illegal constructions could result in penalties of Rs 5,000 to Rs 25,000 or imprisonment for responsible persons.
At the time of the demolition, Class 12 HSC students were taking their OCM exams, officials said.
College sources said classrooms were not damaged, but the noise from multiple simultaneous demolitions caused significant disruption. Despite the disturbance, answer papers were collected and submitted on time.
Officials said that staircases are currently being cleared and covered. However, internal tests for Class 11 have been postponed, and all lectures on Monday will be conducted online. Board exams will continue as scheduled.
The demolition
Portion of HR College were demolished on Saturday by the BMC after the civic body found that the college management had failed to provide valid permissions or approved building plans for the structures.
The demolition followed a notice issued under Section 351 of the MMC Act on July 31, 2024, sources said.
According to the BMC, the college’s reply, submitted on August 6, 2024, reportedly did not establish the legality of the constructions, as no approved plans or permissions from the competent MCGM authority were provided.
The demolition drive was conducted on February 14 by the Mumbai civic body`s ’s A Ward.
College responds to demolition
HR College in Churchgate area issued a statement saying it has been engaging with authorities and submitted proposals for regularisation online. The college stated that its commitment to complying with legal requirements.
“The HR College building has existed since the 1960s and the repairs and refurbishment of the structure were recently concluded,” said officials.