Mumbai Court Fines Housing Society ₹11.8 Lakh Over Negligence In 2012 Coconut Tree Death Case

Mumbai: The Mumbai City Civil Court has ruled that Satya Darshan Co-operative Housing Society in Andheri (East) must pay Rs11.8 lakh with 6% interest to Bhagwan Jadhav, a Kurla resident, for the death of his 27-year-old son, Rohit, in 2012. The court held the society responsible for failing to cut a dangerous coconut tree, which fell on Rohit, causing his death.

On July 18, 2012, Rohit, em p loyed at a private company earning Rs7,500 monthly, was walking near the society with a friend when a dead coconut tree fell, severely injuring his head. He succumbed to inju ries on July 26 at Holy Spirit Hospital. Bhagwan filed a suit on February 16, 2013, alleging negligence, as the society had municipal permission to remove the tree but failed to act.

Bhagwan sought Rs 40 lakh in compensation, but the society denied responsibility, claiming the tree fell due to heavy rain and wind, an “act of God.” They also alleged stall owners near the tree had threatened workers against cutting it. However, a society office bearer admitted timely trimming could have prevented the incident.