The Bombay High Court has instructed the Maharashtra Housing and Area Development Authority to take a final decision within one month regarding 22 tenants who are allegedly refusing to vacate their homes, holding up a long-delayed redevelopment project in Jogeshwari East.
The directive came from a bench of Justices M.S. Karnik and S.M. Modak while hearing a petition filed by more than 300 families from the Majaswadi Sarvodayanagar Co-operative Housing Society. These residents, who support the redevelopment, approached the court after alleging inaction by MHADA against non-cooperative occupants.
The project, involving an MHADA colony with 579 tenements in Jogeshwari East, has been stalled since 2008. Initially undertaken by Acme Realities Pvt Ltd, the redevelopment aimed to rehabilitate existing residents while constructing additional sale towers. However, delays and financial complications led to mounting liabilities of over Rs 4,300 crore, eventually pushing the matter to the National Company Law Tribunal.
In August 2025, the tribunal appointed Pune-based Mantra Developers to revive the project, with a commitment to invest over Rs 600 crore. A key condition for project completion was the clearance of the site by all remaining occupants. While many residents had already vacated or been rehabilitated, 22 families continue to remain on the premises, stalling further progress.
“The new developer brought a fresh ray of hope for all of us. Many of us have been living in rented homes for years without any assistance or rent from the previous developer. When NCLT appointed the new developer, we were all very excited and confident that we would soon move into our homes. However, 22 of our own members have stalled the project by refusing to vacate. The new developer has no choice but to stop paying us all rent,” said Sanjay Bane, chairman of the housing society.
In its order dated April 27, the court noted, “It is the case of the Petitioner that no final order has been passed so far, and this is causing severe prejudice to the Petitioner and other persons who are waiting for the redevelopment project.” It further directed MHADA to issue a decision within four weeks.
Meanwhile, one of the remaining tenants, Arun Sawant, stated, “Our demands have been submitted to MHADA and the developer. We are not against the project and are willing to vacate, subject to certain conditions,” adding that they may approach the court again if required.
The case highlights the complexities of large-scale redevelopment projects in Mumbai, where legal, financial, and social challenges often intersect.
Source: Hindustan Times
