The controversy surrounding the proposed redevelopment of the Lokmanya Tilak Municipal Market at Grant Road has deepened, with fresh legal and civic challenges emerging against the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC). A developer whose bid was earlier rejected has now issued a legal notice to the civic body, while market vendors—particularly fish sellers—continue to strongly oppose any redevelopment of the site.
The issue first gained traction after vendors alleged that the BMC was attempting to coerce them into giving consent for redevelopment, despite the market building having undergone repairs as recently as 2022. The latest escalation comes from Mark Realtors Associates, whose redevelopment bid was cancelled by the BMC. The firm has served a legal notice to the civic body’s markets department, challenging the rejection and questioning subsequent administrative actions.
In its notice dated January 22, Mark Realtors Associates stated that a writ petition filed in 2025 regarding the cancellation of its tender is still pending before the Bombay High Court. As such, the developer argues that any move by the BMC to bypass or displace its proposal is beyond the authority’s jurisdiction. The notice further alleges that the civic body is relying on a redevelopment proposal submitted by Samak Constructions Pvt Ltd under Regulation 33(9) of the Development Control and Promotion Regulations (DCPR), even though the matter remains under judicial consideration.
Caught in the middle of this dispute are licensed vendors, mainly fish sellers, who have categorically rejected redevelopment proposals from both developers. They claim that neither proposal safeguards vendor interests, public welfare, or adheres to the existing regulatory framework.
The Akhil Maharashtra Machhimar Kriti Samiti (AMMKS) has formally submitted objections to municipal commissioner Bhushan Gagrani, citing legal and policy concerns related to DCPR 2034, earlier rejection decisions concerning the same market, and the current structural condition of the building. Nayna Patil, women’s president of the AMMKS, said the market has recently undergone repair and maintenance, making it structurally sound and fit for continued use.
Vendors have also pointed out that the redevelopment proposals lack crucial elements such as written consent from licensed vendors, a clear rehabilitation plan, defined shop areas, and guarantees of business continuity. In the absence of these safeguards, they argue that the process violates principles of natural justice.
The vendors have demanded that the BMC scrap both redevelopment proposals, avoid taking further steps without vendor approval, and maintain the status quo at the market.
“Lokmanya Tilak Market is not merely a place of business; it represents generations of livelihood, dignity, and survival for our community. All licensed vendors and fish vendors are united in opposing any form of forced redevelopment. This struggle is not in favour of any developer, it is for the protection of our rights and public markets. We will not accept private takeover of a market that has already been repaired and made functional,” said AMMKS president Devendra Damodar Tandel.
A BMC markets department official responded, “It is a writ petition filed by Mark Realtors. Their tender was cancelled and not reconsidered. In between, we got a proposal for cluster development from Samak Constructions P Ltd and we proceeded. There are 511 vendors, of which 199 fish vendors are opposing the cluster redevelopment.”
Source: Hindustan Times
