The 31-story building in downtown Mumbai was intended for war veterans and widows but the apartments were bought at cut-rate prices by top politicians and military brass. Maharashtra state's chief minister resigned late last year because of the scandal.
Environment Minister Jairam Ramesh on Sunday said the building must be demolished within three months for violating coastal zoning laws. The building was planned as six stories originally, but its finished height violates bans on tall structures near the coast.
Adarsh Housing Society's attorney Satish Maneshinde said Sunday that he would soon file an appeal challenging the demolition order.
The action appeared to be the first time a building that violated an environmental law was ordered demolished. Most violators of building guidelines are fined. Read the full report here.
Source: by Associated Press, TMCnet World News, New Delhi.
