The Bombay High Court on Friday said that the demolition of a part of actor Kangana Ranaut’s office in a bungalow in Mumbai by the city’s civic body “is nothing but malice in law”. In a big win for the actor, Ranaut will also be compensated for the damage caused by the demolition.
The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) had demolished a part of Ms Ranaut’s office in a bungalow at Mumbai’s Pali Hill on September 9. The actor alleged that the civic body’s action against her was a result of her comments against the Maharashtra government and the ruling Shiv Sena.
The ruling party in the BMC, the “Queen” actor said in her petition, without naming Shiv Sena, which runs the Mumbai civic body India’s richest municipal corporation.
“The manner in which the action was carried out leaves no doubt that not using S.354 was more sinister and preventing her from taking a recourse,” the High Court said.
The court, however, noted that Kangana Ranawat should show restraint in airing her opinions on the government. The Mumbai civic body claims the bungalow contains illegal constructions.
The actress seeking compensation of ₹ 2 crores from the municipal agency for what she called an “illegal” demolition, the court said it was appointing a valuer who would hear the petition and the civic body on monetary damages caused to her due to the demolition.
“When 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. It’s only because you play a villain so I can be a hero,” Kangana Ranawat tweeted.
When 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 play a villain so I can be a HERO. https://t.co/pYkO6OOcBr— Kangana Ranaut (@KanganaTeam) November 27, 2020