HC's decision would be based on the report filed by the panel of experts to determine whether restoration was possible and financially viable. File pic

According to the response sent by the UD department on January 14, it has asked MHADA to take a second opinion from experts and assess the restoration costs. It further mentions that the MHADA officials should then ask the landlord to restore the structure, and if the landlord fails to do so, then it should carry out the restoration work and recover the costs from him. Based on the UD's directions, the landlord stands to lose the property if he fails to bear the costs of restoring the heritage structure.

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When contacted, Cherag Balsara, the advocate representing landlord Sadiq Ali, said, "The question of acquiring the property doesn't arise. The landlord has said in open court that he along with legitimate tenants will be bearing the expenses to restore the structure."

When asked about the letter, Milind Mhaiskar, vice president of MHADA, said, "The MHADA will act as per the government's instructions." Some of the tenants, however, have raised concerns over the landlord's demand for a contribution since they are unable to afford it.

The fate of the structure is still pending in the Bombay High Court. While the landlord has offered to pay for the structure's restoration in court, the HC's decision would be based on the report filed by the panel of experts to determine whether restoration was possible and financially viable.

The report is expected by the end of this month.

Rs 30cr
The amount of special funds MHADA had sought from the govt

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