Mumbai’s Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) continued its demolition drive at Habitat Studio for the second consecutive day, citing rule violations. The civic body took action against the venue, located at Unicontinental in Khar, after stand-up comedian Kunal Kamra’s recent performance allegedly targeted Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde. The video of Kamra’s remarks, which surfaced on social media, sparked outrage among Shiv Sena supporters and ruling Mahayuti leaders, leading to an attack on the studio by Shiv Sainiks.
Acting swiftly, the BMC officials demolished an unauthorised section of the venue on Monday, with further action being taken on Tuesday. The crackdown followed a complaint from state transport minister Pratap Sarnaik, who urged BMC Commissioner Bhushan Gagrani to look into the studio’s alleged illegalities. Speaking to Hindustan Times, Gagrani stated that he had instructed H Ward’s assistant commissioner, Vinayak Vispute, to inspect the property for any violations.
During the inspection, BMC authorities discovered that the venue had constructed a makeshift shed on the terrace, which was subsequently removed. Officials also found that the basement—designated for storage—was being used as a studio.
“We told them to remove the shed which is illegal. Since they were unable to do so, our people removed it,” Vispute said. He further clarified that notices are not issued for temporary illegal structures. “The basement is meant for storage – a norm flouted by the club. This is illegal. We are looking at this closely. We got the building plan, and will proceed on the next course of action on Tuesday. We will be able to say conclusively on what lies ahead then,” he added.
Following Sunday’s attack on the studio, security measures have been heightened, with the Khar police deploying State Reserve Police Force personnel and additional officers to guard the premises.
Shiv Sena’s social media chief, Rahool Kanal, who led Sunday’s protest, justified the action, stating, “This studio is completely illegal. There is no NOC from fire department. The basement is being used as a studio which is illegal. When we went to protest on Sunday, I called the studio’s owner, who only gave evasive replies.”
The BMC’s response has sparked a debate, with critics questioning the timing of the crackdown, given that the structure’s alleged violations had existed prior to Kamra’s controversial remarks. Further developments regarding the venue’s legal status are expected as the BMC continues its inspection.
