September 8, 2025: Bharat Nagar, a 44-acre settlement in Bandra East near the Bandra Kurla Complex, has become the center of a heated redevelopment dispute. Divided into 22 societies, the area’s redevelopment journey began in 1996 with Shyamkaran Enterprises, later taken over by HDIL in 2006, and is now being pursued by Budhpur Buildcon, backed by the Adani Group.
Residents allege that demolition notices served to them are unlawful under sections 33 and 38 of the Maharashtra Slum Areas (Improvement, Clearance and Redevelopment) Act, 1971. They claim they have been wrongly classified as tenants of a Basera Slum Rehabilitation Authority (SRA) Society instead of being recognized as members of a Maharashtra Housing and Area Development Authority (MHADA)-designated Basera Co-operative Housing Society.
The dispute hinges on whether Bharat Nagar residents qualify under regulation 33(5) or 33(10) of the Development Control and Promotion Regulations (DCPR), 1991. If recognized as MHADA tenants under 33(5), residents argue they are entitled to larger rehabilitation homes.
Tariq Khan, a resident overseeing legal matters, pointed out that demolitions are continuing despite “an alleged 2018 gazette issued by the urban development department under the Maharashtra Regional and Town Planning Act, 1966, classifying this area as a MHADA layout.”
Residents further allege that the Adani-backed developer leveraged political and financial influence to sustain earlier approvals under the Slum Rehabilitation Act, issuing questionable photopasses to execute demolitions. This, they argue, places 3,145 residents with legal tenancy claims on par with encroachers.
Following sustained protests, MHADA has reportedly submitted a proposal to the Maharashtra government for redevelopment under section 33(5). This comes after the demolition of homes in plots 7, 8, and 9, where residents continue to contest their rights.
Source: Realty Plus
