A day after the Mumbai Heritage Conservation Committee (MHCC) submitted their reply to the Maharashtra Housing and Development Authority (MHADA) recommending that Esplanade Mansion should be preserved, some heritage movement activists feel that it (MHCC) made a weak argument to prevent the demolition of the Grade II heritage structure. The MHCC's reply will be submitted in the ongoing case in the Bombay High Court.

Members of MHCC had studied IIT-Bombay's structural audit report before taking a decision. In the reply, MHCC has mentioned that Esplanade Mansion is a heritage landmark, and acknowledged its 'uniqueness in terms of its history, construction technology, architectural character and social importance.' The reply, however, doesn't mention its status as being part of the ensemble that was granted the distinction of 'Victorian Gothic and Art Deco Ensembles of Mumbai' by UNESCO.