India, Dec. 10 -- The Bombay High Court on Monday strongly criticised the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) for repeatedly changing its stance on the structural condition of a South Mumbai building near the Opera House. The court directed the civic body to explain its position, review the building's status thoroughly, and take a stand that is justified by official records.

The dispute centres around the Mehta Mahal Commercial Cooperative Premises Society, a 13-storey commercial building in Charni Road. A technical advisory committee (TAC) set up by the BMC in 2021 conducted a structural audit of the building and categorised it as 'C2B', meaning repairs were required but evicting the building's residents was not necessary. Acting o...