The home of nuclear scientist Homi Bhabha, 'Meherangir,' was auctioned on Tuesday June 17,2014 despite growing calls for the iconic bungalow in Mumbai's upmarket Malabar Hill to be made a national monument.
The
three-storey structure, with a built-up area of 15,000 sq ft on a
17,146 sq ft plot near the picturesque Hanging Garden, was sold for a
whopping sum of Rs 372 crore.
The National Centre for Performing Arts, which owned the bungalow, had set a reserve price for Rs 257 crore. However, the identity of the winning bidder has not been revealed.
The NCPA said proceeds of the auction would be used to promote art and culture.
Meherangir
came into the possession and ownership of NCPA after Homi's brother
Jamshed Bhabha's demise. Jamshed had bequeathed the property to the NCPA
in his will.
NCPA Chairman Khushroo Suntook, whose organisation owned the bungalow before its sale
Jamshed
was part-owner of property along with his brother Homi, but he became
the sole owner following the death of his brother in plane mishap in
1966
Employees
of Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC) had approached the Bombay High
Court to stay the proposed auction of the bungalow on the grounds that
it be converted into a museum
The Bombay High Court did not grant any stay but agreed to hear the petition.
Meanwhile, the Maharashtra government, which till now did not do
anything to stop the sale, is now trying to point fingers at the Union Govt.
The
Maharashtra CM's office had on Tuesday released a letter addressed to
the prime minister dated June 13, requesting him to intervene
"People
of the state feel that his (Bhabha's) residence should be declared a
national monument. The current owner of the building is trying to
dispose of the property. Dr Homi Bhabha's residence should be a national
monument as it would be a source of inspiration to the people of India,
especially the scientific community,"
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