MUMBAI, Sept. 4 -- More than 600 traders at Orchid City Centre Mall on Bellasis Road have been forced to shut shop after the BMC on Tuesday began action to vacate the mall in compliance with a Supreme Court order. The traders, who primarily deal in mobile accessories, said they had been "put out on the street overnight" and we looking at huge financial losses, as their businesses were stopped abruptly. "The BMC wants to seal the premises," said Kesharam Choudhary, who sells mobile phone covers and accessories at the mall since 2015. "We used to earn at least Rs.1 lakh a month here. We paid rent, salaries to our staff and managed to live comfortably." Around 90% of the businesses in the mall are reportedly related to mobile accessories while the remaining premises include other commercial galas, warehouses used by delivery partners and a bank. According to Choudhary, business was disrupted for nearly two years after a fire in the mall in 2020, but had gradually recovered after the premises became operational again. "After the mall reopened, business picked up. Now suddenly we have been asked to vacate," he said. The BMC has launched coordinated action to completely shut the mall following the Supreme Court's August 25, 2026 order, which directed that the entire building not be used for any purpose until comprehensive repairs to the fire-damaged structure were completed and the BMC was satisfied that the structure was completely safe for movement and operations. Santosh Salunkhe, assistant municipal commissioner of D Ward, said that the malls' upper floors were damaged in the fire. "The repair work was not completed but the ground and first floors were operational," he said. Salunkhe added that the mall would be permitted to reopen only after the required statutory compliances were completed such as a completion certificate from the BMC and fire-compliant status. Rahul Kolekar, designated officer of D Ward, said that it was one of the gala owners who approached the Supreme Court because of the incomplete construction. "We have disconnected the electricity and water supply," he said. "The mall will reopen only after the court's directions are complied with." Following a court order, D Ward officials, local police, utility representatives, and mall management held a coordination meeting, instructing the administration to comply voluntarily. The civic body then launched joint action via its building, proposals, and fire departments, posting public notices at the premises to prohibit entry, use, and occupation. Municipal authorities ordered the disconnection of the mall's water supply and initiated action against its municipal licenses. Electricity supply is slated for disconnection, remaining active only for essential construction and repair work. Police protection has been requested to maintain law and order throughout the process. Authorities have urged owners, developers, and occupants to cooperate, warning that non-compliance will trigger stringent action, including forced eviction and sealing of the building....