MSHRC Gives MCGM Final Chance To Respond In Powai Madrasa Case

The Maharashtra State Human Rights Commission (MSHRC) has given the Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai (MCGM) a final opportunity to respond to a complaint regarding an allegedly illegal madrasa in Powai. The complaint, filed by residents Sangeeta Rodrigues and Inderjeet Singh Oshan, claims that the madrasa is causing severe inconvenience to nearby residents due to noise and safety concerns.

The madrasa, located near Mukteshwar Ashram at IIT Market, is alleged to have been constructed without authorization and is functioning as a school despite repeated complaints to civic authorities. The complainants have expressed concern over the structural safety of the building, citing a collapsed ceiling, and have also alleged that the continuous movement of people and loud conversations at the premises have disrupted their day-to-day lives.

The MSHRC has directed the MCGM to file its response to the complaint by the next hearing, scheduled for July 30. The Commission has warned that if the civic body fails to submit its reply, it will proceed to decide the matter ex parte against the corporation. The case has been pending before the Commission since 2024.

During earlier proceedings, the complainants had submitted several civic documents, including notices and correspondence issued by the MCGM between 2011 and 2012, regarding alleged unauthorized construction at the premises. They had also submitted photographs allegedly showing unauthorized rooms built on the terrace and a staircase encroaching upon the public footpath.

The MSHRC had earlier criticized the MCGM for filing an inadequate affidavit, which failed to answer specific questions regarding the legality of the construction, permissions obtained by the institution, and complaints of noise pollution. The Commission had observed that the corporation had merely informed it that it had sought information from the school management.

The complainants had also submitted additional written representations alleging violations of the Right to Education Act. The MSHRC has instructed the MCGM to file its response to these allegations by the next hearing.

The MCGM's response to the complaint is crucial, as it will determine the course of action to be taken by the Commission. If the civic body fails to respond, the Commission may proceed to decide the matter ex parte, which could result in adverse consequences for the MCGM.

The case highlights the importance of addressing civic concerns and ensuring that unauthorized constructions are dealt with promptly. The MSHRC's decision to give the MCGM a final opportunity to respond to the complaint demonstrates its commitment to upholding the rights of citizens and ensuring that civic authorities are held accountable for their actions.

The outcome of the case will be closely watched, as it has significant implications for the residents of Powai and the city of Mumbai as a whole. The MSHRC's decision will set a precedent for how civic authorities respond to complaints regarding unauthorized constructions and noise pollution.

In conclusion, the MSHRC's warning to the MCGM to respond to the complaint regarding the allegedly illegal madrasa in Powai is a significant development in the case. The civic body's response will determine the course of action to be taken by the Commission, and the outcome of the case will have important implications for the residents of Powai and the city of Mumbai.