India, Aug. 19 -- The Bombay High Court on Monday dismissed a petition filed by residents of Jai Bhim Nagar in Powai, challenging the demolition action scheduled by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) on that day. Raising concerns over the dangers of footpath encroachment, the court allowed the corporation to go ahead with the demolition. However, no demolition action took place on Monday.

Meena Govind Limbole and 23 others, who filed the petition on Monday, stated that they have fallen victim to the brutal power of the State administration, consisting of police personnel and BMC officials, who formed "a deadly combination" at the behest of a local builder/developer. More than 800 families were ousted in June last year in an all...