Mumbai: The Bombay High Court has upheld the eviction of the Paraplegic Foundation from its premises at Lokmanya Tilak Municipal General (LTMG) Hospital, Sion, but has directed the hospital to provide alternative premises for five years within the hospital complex to ensure continuity of rehabilitation services for paraplegic patients.
Court’s Ruling: Balancing Redevelopment with Rehabilitation Needs
A single-judge bench of Justice N.J. Jamadar ruled that while the eviction order was valid—as the hospital’s barracks needed demolition for a ₹660 crore redevelopment project—the importance of paraplegic rehabilitation services could not be ignored.
The court ordered the Paraplegic Foundation to vacate its current 14,000-sq-ft premises by April 30, 2025, but directed the hospital to provide an alternative 1,400-sq-ft space within four weeks.
“The necessity of a facility catering to the requirements of paraplegics can hardly be over-emphasised,” the court noted, stressing the importance of ensuring that patients undergoing rehabilitation are not left in the lurch.
Background: Eviction Battle & Redevelopment Plans
- The Paraplegic Foundation has been assisting public hospitals in Mumbai in rehabilitating paraplegic patients for over 35 years.
- The BMC sought eviction as part of a major hospital redevelopment project that requires the demolition of old barracks where the foundation currently operates.
- A civil court had earlier dismissed the Foundation’s appeal against eviction on August 7, 2024.
- The Foundation then moved the Bombay High Court, seeking relief to continue its services.
Final Verdict: Temporary Relief with a Clear Exit Timeline
The HC upheld the eviction, noting that the premises belong to the municipal corporation and the Foundation had no legal right to remain there. However, to prevent disruption in treatment, the court directed the hospital to provide a smaller, alternative space (1,400 sq. ft.) for five years.
This ruling ensures that existing paraplegic patients receive continued care, while also allowing the hospital’s redevelopment to proceed as planned.
