“Nothing but malice in law,” Bombay HC slams BMC for demolishing Kangana’s office

In a huge relief to actor Kangana Ranaut and embarrassment to Uddhav Thackeray Government in Maharashtra, Bombay High Court has quashed the notice and order issued by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) to demolish Ranaut’s bungalow. The court observed that the property was that of an existing structure. Not only will she be compensated for the same, but the court also held that the act by BMC in partially demolishing Kangana Ranaut’s office was “nothing but malice in law”.

It is no secret that Uddhav Thackeray led Shiv Sena had been against Kangana Ranaut in a witch hunt of sorts. The actor has been extremely vocal since the death of Sushant Singh Rajput and has been openly calling out the nepotism and drug culture as well as the Bollywood mafia culture of the industry. Shiv Sena, which is rather close to the dark underbelly of Bollywood has been putting its entire weight behind the cabal to support and protect it from any sort of investigation.

In furtherance to their mischievous agenda, Shiv Sena’s leader Sanjay Raut had vilified Kangana by calling her ‘Haramkhor’. The party had also openly threatened Kangana and stated that she will not be allowed in Mumbai.

Soon after this, the BMC had demolished a part of Kangana Ranaut’s office in a bungalow at Mumbai’s Pali Hill on September 9, when she was out of the state. In response to this extrajudicial act, Kangana Ranaut had filed a petition against BMC and Sanjay Raut.

In a moment of triumph against the unjust exercise of power by the state, the Bombay High Court has granted relief to Kangana Ranaut in her plea.

The court observed, “The background of the case lends credence to the petitioner’s case that the demolition action was malafide and premeditated to target her for her tweets and statements.” “There are materials to indicate that the action of demolition smacks of malafides.” “There is a case of legal malice for this court to issue a writ.”

Further underlining the illegalities of BMC, the court observed, “The manner in which demolition was carried out was unauthorised and sinister to prevent the petitioner from taking the course to legal remedies.” It further said,  “The action of BMC can only be regarded as an action in deliberate disregard of the rights of a citizen.”

Welcoming the judgment, Kangana Ranaut said, “When an individual stands against the government and wins, it’s not the victory of the individual but it’s the victory of the democracy. Thank you, everyone, who gave me courage and thanks to those who laughed at my broken dreams. Its only cause you to play a villain so I can be a HERO.”

Allowing equitable compensation, the court is also going to appoint a valuer who will assess the monetary damages caused to the actor due to the demolition. By March 2021, the valuer will appropriately pass an order on compensation.