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Rahul Wadke

THE KERALA HANDICRAFTS showroom, Kairali, being shut down at Nariman Point in Mumbai. - Paul Noronha

Mumbai , June 23

God's own country's signature store, Kairali, may just end up without a home in Mumbai.

One of the oldest handicrafts store in Mumbai, Kairali is the casualty of a dispute between the Kairali management and the landlord of the building that houses the shop.

Located at the heart of Nariman point, Mumbai's business district, Kairali now faces closure as the Bombay High Court has directed the management to vacate the premises at the Nirmal Building, just opposite to the five-star Hilton Towers.

Promoted by the Handicraft Development Corporation of Kerala, Kairali offers exquisite handicrafts from Kerala and similar stores are located across the country.

The corporation is a public sector company engaged in the procurement and distribution of raw materials to artisans at subsidised rates, collection of handicrafts at reasonably fair prices, exhibition and sale of handicrafts and providing financial and other assistance to artisans in Kerala.

The showroom has been operating in the same premises for more than 30 years.

According to sources in the Kerala Government, Kairali currently does not have any alternate location in Mumbai to stock the goods that are worth over Rs two crore.

Mr Mahesh Menon, lawyer for the Handicraft Development Corporation, said officials of the corporation are expected to come to Mumbai next week to decide on the course of action.

He said the owners sought the eviction notice from the court because the corporation did not pay the marked up rent.

Since the corporation is a company with a paid up capital of more than Rs 1 crore, it is not eligible to get protection under the Maharashtra Rent Control Act.

The premises is owned by a trust promoted by Somani Group that has business interests in Kerala.

Officials of the Handicraft Development Corporation could not be contacted for comment.

More Stories on : Retailing | Arts & Crafts | Maharashtra

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