Mumbai – The Mumbai City Civil Court has directed Satya Darshan Co-operative Housing Society in Andheri (East) to pay ₹11.8 lakh, along with 6% annual interest, to Kurla resident Bhagwan Jadhav for the death of his 27-year-old son, Rohit, in 2012.
The court found the society negligent for failing to remove a dangerous coconut tree that collapsed on Rohit while he was walking near the premises on July 18, 2012. Employed at a private firm and earning ₹7,500 a month, Rohit suffered severe head injuries and died eight days later at Holy Spirit Hospital.
Jadhav filed a lawsuit in February 2013, alleging negligence as the society had municipal approval to cut the tree but failed to act. While he sought ₹40 lakh in damages, the society denied liability, attributing the incident to heavy rain and wind, calling it an “act of God.”
They also claimed local stall owners had obstructed tree removal. However, a society office bearer admitted that timely trimming could have prevented the tragedy.
