August 23, 2025: The Bombay High Court has strongly criticised the Slum Rehabilitation Authority (SRA) for delaying a slum redevelopment project in Vile Parle and has directed that a commencement certificate (CC) be issued without further obstruction to Sateri Builders & Developers LLP.
The case concerns a plot on Dayaldas Road and an adjoining D.P. Road, which Sateri Builders was appointed to redevelop under the Slum Rehabilitation Scheme in November 2020. The SRA issued a Letter of Intent (LOI) and Intimation of Approval (IOA) in May 2022, requiring the developer to accommodate project-affected persons (PAPs) from the road widening.
However, some slum dwellers and a rival developer, allegedly supported by local MLA Parag Alavani, opposed the project. Although the Apex Grievance Redressal Committee set aside the LOI in July 2022, the High Court reinstated it in April 2024, a decision later upheld by the Supreme Court.The bench remarked that the SRA appeared to have “abdicated its statutory duty” under external influence, calling this “a most sorry state of affairs”. It restrained the authority from entertaining any further objections from rival developers.
Observing that the builder had fulfilled its obligations, including rent payments for PAPs, the court ruled there was “absolutely no reason” to withhold the CC and directed the SRA to issue it without delay, reiterating that the Slums Act exists to secure dignified housing for slum dwellers.
Source: The Free Press Journal
