BMC halts work at Ajay Devgn-Kajol's Juhu bungalow over proposed salon and spa

A stop-work notice has been issued by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) for work linked to a proposed salon and spa at the Juhu bungalow of actor Ajay Devgn and actor Kajol, following objections from the local housing society over the commercial use of a residential property.

The bungalow, spread over 7,802 sq ft, stands on Plot S-10 on N S Road No. 11 in the JVPD Scheme. The Kapol Co-operative Housing Society is said to have approached the civic body after noticing work connected to the proposed salon and spa at the premises.

Acting on the complaint, officials from the BMC's K-West ward sought documents relating to the proposed commercial activity. The civic body has said the required permission for commercial use was not produced, after which the stop-work notice was issued.

Local corporator Sudha Singh said the matter is being handled by the Building and Factory Department of the K-West ward. "The issue is with the Building and Factory Department of K-West ward," she said, adding that prima facie no permission had been granted for commercial use of the property. The Devgn family has reportedly sought four weeks to respond to the notice.

The dispute is understood to centre on the proposed use of the bungalow rather than any question of the property being leased. Residents have raised concerns about the possible impact of a commercial establishment in a residential neighbourhood, including increased footfall, parking requirements, security and noise. The area's narrow internal roads have also drawn attention in the matter.

Florian Hurel Salons Pvt Ltd has taken the bungalow on a five-year registered leave-and-licence agreement dated August 10, with the reported rent starting at Rs 16 lakh per month in the first year and carrying an annual escalation. The society has also questioned whether a salon and spa can operate from the property without the required civic and statutory clearances, and has sought documents concerning the proposed commercial activity and related approvals.

The Devgn camp has disputed any suggestion that the proposed venture is operating without approvals. A source from the camp said the requisite permissions and approvals from the concerned authorities in relation to the proposed use of the premises have been duly obtained.

With the two positions at odds, the matter is now likely to turn on the paperwork submitted by the property owners and the civic body's assessment of whether the approvals cited cover the proposed commercial activity at the bungalow.