August 28, 2025: The Bombay High Court has called on the Slum Rehabilitation Authority (SRA) to fast-track pending slum rehabilitation projects, cautioning that prolonged delays undermine the very purpose of the scheme, which is to provide secure housing to slum residents.
A Division Bench of Justice G. S. Kulkarni and Justice Arif S. Doctor was reviewing cases linked to a rehabilitation initiative in Vile Parle when the issue was raised. Petitioners argued that despite obtaining all necessary approvals, their project was stalled due to objections from rival developers and political interference. They sought the release of commencement certificates and enforcement of eviction orders to prevent third-party disruptions.
The Court reiterated that slum rehabilitation is fundamentally a welfare initiative aimed at ensuring dignified housing and improved living standards for people residing in slums. It criticised authorities for neglecting their statutory responsibilities and, in some cases, appearing to favour developers, which has slowed down implementation.
According to a Live Law report, the Court underscored that the petitioner’s redevelopment plan had been formally approved, with Letters of Intent (LOI) and Intent of Approval (IOA) already issued and upheld by higher courts. Despite this, the statutory authority identified as Respondent No. 2 had failed to discharge its duties effectively, undermining the intent of the legislation. The Bench noted that when an authority yields to external pressures, it risks defeating the statutory objective of the Slum Rehabilitation Scheme.
In its order, the Court directed the authorities to complete all pending documentation within six weeks, issue the commencement certificate for the rehabilitation component, and enforce eviction orders necessary to advance the project. The ruling reinforces the need for timely execution and legal compliance in Mumbai’s slum redevelopment efforts.
Source: The Free Press Journal
