Mumbai News: Irla Residents Threaten Protests Over BMC’s Alleged Plan to Demolish Legal Crucifix

Mumbai : Residents of Irla, Vile Parle, have raised strong objections to the alleged plans by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) to demolish a legally protected crucifix located at the junction of S.V. Road and Ram Ganesh Gadkari Marg. Community groups have warned that any such move could trigger public protests.
According to locals, the Assistant Municipal Commissioner of the K West Ward allegedly issued a threat to remove the religious structure. In response, civic activist group Watchdog Foundation has written to the BMC, Mumbai Police, and the Maharashtra government, highlighting the Supreme Court’s guidelines on religious structures situated on public land (Civil Appeal No. 8519/2006).
The Foundation noted that a Government Resolution (GR) issued on May 5, 2011, formed a special committee to assess such structures. The committee reportedly designated the Irla crucifix as a Category A protected religious structure, meaning it cannot be removed without following due legal procedure.
Watchdog Foundation warned that any attempt to demolish the cross without adhering to proper legal channels would be considered contempt of court. The group also accused the BMC ward office of selectively targeting the Christian community while overlooking illegal encroachments by hawkers on footpaths.
The organization emphasized that all holy crosses across Mumbai’s 24 municipal wards have already been documented, including a letter dated November 15, 2003, from the local community acknowledging the structure’s legality, which was officially received by the municipal office.
The issue has sparked growing concerns about religious freedom, selective enforcement, and civic accountability in Mumbai.