Pratibha Cooperative Housing Society near Breach Candy in South Mumbai, once associated with a major real estate approval scandal, is set for a Rs 1,000-crore redevelopment. The 36-storey structure, which became notorious for alleged Floor Space Index (FSI) manipulation in the 1980s, is expected to be replaced by a 179-metre luxury skyscraper, according to a Times of India report.
The 1984 Building Approval Controversy
The controversy surfaced in 1984 when then-Mumbai Collector Arun Bhatia uncovered irregularities in the building’s approval process. The developer had reportedly declared the plot area as 9,282 square metres, despite the actual area being 7,197 square metres. This inflated measurement allegedly enabled the unauthorised addition of approximately 27,000 square feet of floor space. Construction was nearing completion when the irregularities came to light.
Prominent Buyers and Legal Action
The proposed tower had attracted wealthy buyers when it was marketed as one of Mumbai’s most luxurious residential developments. Legendary singers Lata Mangeshkar and Asha Bhosle were among those who purchased flats. Former Maharashtra Chief Minister Vasantdada Patil and gangster Haji Mastan had also reportedly booked apartments.
Following prolonged legal proceedings, the Supreme Court directed action against the unauthorised construction. The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) demolished the building’s eight illegal upper floors in the mid-1990s. The remaining 28 floors stood vacant for years before the structure was completely demolished in February 2019.
A New Luxury Tower Planned
After the two-acre site was cleared, the housing society’s 35 original members began discussions on redevelopment, the report stated.
The proposed 179-metre tower will feature luxury apartments on floors eight through 32, while the 33rd floor will accommodate dedicated recreational facilities and amenities.
The redevelopment reflects the premium positioning of the Pedder Road–Breach Candy neighbourhood, where property prices are reported to be around Rs 1 lakh per square foot. Original buyers are expected to receive apartments measuring approximately 3,300 square feet in the rebuilt development.
The project marks a new chapter for a property whose history has been shaped by controversy, legal disputes and decades of uncertainty.
Source: News 18
