CHRISTIANS in Mumbai have condemned the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation’s (BMC) demolition notice to a 110-year-old Mahim crucifix.
The crucifix at Mahim was rebuilt by the BMC in 1991 after a Bombay high court order.
On March 7, the authorities issued a notice on the cross on MM Chotani Road. The notice said that the structure will be demolished if proper documents that certify its legality were not produced in 3 days.
However, the local residents said the high court had ruled that the crucifix was not an obstruction to traffic or pedestrians.
To protest the local body’s action a group of 100 people wearing black bands on their arms gathered near the cross to protest against the demolition notice. Interestingly, many of the protesters were non-Christians.
In a report, the DNA newspaper quoted Arthur D’Mello, vice president of the Association of Concerned Catholics, as saying: “After our petition, an order was passed in favor of the legality of the cross and the BMC was ordered to reconstruct it at the original site. It is shocking that despite the order, the BMC has served a demolition notice.”
According to local residents, the cross was built in 1905 and renovated in September 1977 with BMC approval. It was demolished on March 16, 1985 by the local body without any notice.
Thereafter when the Catholic Association of Bombay approached the high court, the court heard the argument and ruled that the crucifix was not an obstruction to pedestrians. After the court order, the cross was rebuilt in two months.
Related report:
Catholic groups fume at BMC for demolishing crosses, shrines
