Growel’s 101 Mall, a landmark in Kandivali East, was a popular shopping and entertainment destination for years. Its sudden closure in March 2025 sent shockwaves through the community, with many long-time patrons and businesses left in uncertainty.
Trigger for Shutdown
The shutdown was triggered by a Bombay High Court order, which upheld the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board’s (MPCB) closure directive issued on March 5, 2024. The core issue: the mall was built and operated without obtaining the mandatory environmental clearances required under Indian law.
Key Legal Findings
Lack of Environmental Clearance:
The court found that Growel’s 101 Mall was constructed and began operations without any environmental clearance or consent to establish or operate from the MPCB. The mall’s owners, Grauer and Weil (India) Limited, admitted to this in court.
Amnesty Scheme Argument Rejected:
The owners argued they had applied for clearance under an amnesty scheme in 2016 and that the application was still pending. The court dismissed this, stating that no amnesty scheme allows operation without consent, and pending applications do not grant legal immunity.
Seriousness of Violation:
The court termed the violations “gross” and “extremely serious,” emphasizing that commercial interests cannot override environmental and legal obligations.
No Delay in Enforcement:
The High Court rejected the argument that closure powers should only be exercised in cases of “extreme urgency,” stating that waiting for an environmental disaster before acting would be improper.
Immediate Closure Ordered:
The bench directed the MPCB to immediately enforce the closure, adding that the mall’s management had shown “scant regard for environmental concerns” and “virtually considered itself above the law”.
Municipal Action
BMC Prosecution:
The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) initiated prosecution against Grauer and Weil and others for operating parts of the mall without a valid occupation certificate, further compounding the legal troubles for the mall
Public and Community Impact
Permanent Closure:
The closure appears to be permanent unless the required clearances are obtained, which seems unlikely in the near future given the court’s strong stance and the mall’s admission of non-compliance.
Community Reaction:
Long-time visitors and local residents expressed surprise and disappointment, with many sharing memories and speculating about the mall’s future on social media.
Conclusion
Growel’s 101 Mall was shut down after the Bombay High Court found it had been constructed and operated without the legally required environmental clearances. The court’s decision underscores the judiciary’s commitment to environmental law and sets a strong precedent: commercial operations cannot bypass regulatory requirements, and violations will be met with strict enforcement1457.
