Saturday, Apr 27, 2024 | Last Update : 09:05 AM IST
Bombay HC miffed at ‘disabled-friendly ramps’
On August 22, the court had expressed concern over the lack of ramps and other facilities on the premises of several commercial buildings.
Mumbai: The Bombay high court on Monday directed two petitioners, who had raised the issue of lack of facilities for differently-abled persons in commercial buildings, to visit various establishments in the city and see whether or not ramps have been built for the handicapped.
On Monday, the BMC counsel submitted a report along with photographs of 15 commercial buildings in the city, which civic officials had inspected. A division bench of Chief Justice Pradeep Nandrajog and Justice Bharati Dangre noted that the ramp in a few commercial buildings was not disabled-friendly and there was no application of mind while constructing them.
The contractor had given a 3D effect to the ramp in Inox CR2 Mall, making it look like stairs. Slamming this, the court said a wheelchair-bound person would not dare to ascend such a ramp. Whereas in the Tulsiani Chamber building, the ramp was too steep for any disabled person to use. The court then directed the petitioners to visit these buildings and provide all the factual details.
The division bench, which was hearing separate petitions filed by interior designer Nisha Jamvwal and advocate Abha Singh, asked them to visit Inox CR2 Mall, the Oberoi and Tulsiani Chambers at Nariman Point; Peninsula Business Park at Lower Parel; and Sterling Cineplex, the CBI office and the National Gallery of Modern Art at Fort.
Last week, the high court had asked the BMC to grant approvals to commercial buildings only after ensuring that they have various facilities for differently-abled persons.
On August 22, the court had expressed concern over the lack of ramps and other facilities on the premises of several commercial buildings.
The court had said, “Before granting the occupancy certificate (OC), the BMC should inspect the building and see if it has all the basic necessities.” Ms Singh had submitted a list of 15 buildings in south and central Mumbai that lacking facilities for the handicapped such as the Oberoi, the Four Seasons Hotel and the National Gallery of Modern Art, apart from other malls and theatres.
