The Bombay High Court on Friday quashed the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation’s demolition notice to actor Kangana Ranaut, saying that it was “nothing but malice in law”, Bar and Bench reported.
The court noted that the civic body had proceeded on “wrongful grounds” against the actor, adding that the demolition was “premeditated” to target her for her tweets and statements, according to Live Law.
The court said that the actor will now be allowed to make her property habitable. “But that would be in compliance with the approved plan,” the court said. “If [the] application [is] made to BMC for approval, it will be decided within 4 weeks.”
The Bombay High Court also said that it would appoint a valuer to decide on the compensation due to Ranaut. The valuer will submit a report in March.
The court also told Ranaut that it did not approve of her public comments and asked her to observe restraint. But it said the government cannot take action against a citizen based on “irresponsible comments”.
The Mumbai civic body had demolished a part of Ranaut’s property in the city on September 9. Later that day, the High Court stayed the demolition drive after the actor filed a petition against it. She had been served a notice of illegal construction.
The actor alleged that the demolition drive was motivated by her comments against the Shiv Sena government. Ranaut had sparked a row after she claimed that Mumbai felt like Pakistan-occupied Kashmir and that she feared living in the city. She had also criticised the city police for its handling of actor Sushant Singh Rajput’s death.
Limited-time offer: Big stories, small price. Keep independent media alive. Become a Scroll member today!
Our journalism is for everyone. But you can get special privileges by buying an annual Scroll Membership. Sign up today!