Summer is here, but the Breach Candy landmark, Kinnari Cultural Centre, is facing the heat for another reason altogether. The fate of this 45-year-old centre, with various classes for children and yoga classes for adults, is hanging by a thread. Asmi Shah, director of the institute, is battling an eviction order slapped on Kinnari Centre by the Mumbai Collector, for "encroachment of land and conducting illegal activities," amongst other charges.

Shah said, "We got the land in 1972 and the centre started in 1974. It was run by my mother, Kusum Chatrapati, who was involved with the Indian freedom struggle as a freedom fighter. At that time, it was known as Kinnari Congress and the centre used to sell handicrafts, clothing, saris and handloom products. Proceeds of the sale would go to the economically underprivileged. This cultural centre is not for profit."