One of the accused in the Sara-Sahara illegal construction case on Monday applied to the special MCOCA court, urging to stay the proposed demolition of the shopping mall as "it constituted a vital evidence".
Abdul Rehman, one of the accused, has said in the application that demolition be stayed till the trial of the case is over.
"Earlier the prosecution itself had sought stay to the demolition. We are seeking stay on the same ground, that it would prejudice the defence's case," said Shrikant Shivde, the defence counsel.
Special MCOCA Judge MR Bhatkar then asked the prosecution to file a reply and the matter will be decided on Tuesday.
Sara-Sahara shopping complex is allegedly constructed by underworld don Dawood Ibrahim. It is located in downtown Mumbai opposite the Commissionerate of Police in Mumbai.
The complex stands on a plot of land owned by Central Public Works Department and was illegally built in connivance with municipal officials, according to police.
The Bombay High Court had earlier upheld the order of a lower court allowing demolition of illegal complex allegedly set up by the don. The tenants of the complex filed an appeal in the Supreme Court which also upheld the High Court order.
{{/usCountry}}The Bombay High Court had earlier upheld the order of a lower court allowing demolition of illegal complex allegedly set up by the don. The tenants of the complex filed an appeal in the Supreme Court which also upheld the High Court order.
{{/usCountry}}Despite nod from Supreme Court, the defence is contending that it could be demolished after the trial is over, as the trial is in the last phase and is expected to conclude within two months.