Four organisations representing residents of hutment settlements in Chembur have approached the Bombay High Court, challenging the proposed demolition of homes along the Kurla-Trombay railway corridor. The action could impact approximately 3,500 people, prompting demands for a detailed survey and rehabilitation arrangements before any eviction takes place.
The petition, submitted on Saturday, requests the court to direct the concerned authorities to jointly inspect the area, identify structures facing demolition and assess the eligibility of affected households for rehabilitation. The organisations have also sought temporary protection against eviction until the verification and rehabilitation procedures are completed.
The petition has been filed by the Dr Ambedkar Seva Committee, Jai Bhawani Samarth Society, Samata Nagar Zhopadpatti Rahivashi Sangh and Bhimshakti Zhopadpatti Vikas Sangh.
According to advocate Hitendra Gandhi, who represents the petitioners, the challenge follows a Central Railway notice issued on October 15, 2026. The notice directed alleged unauthorised occupants along the railway stretch to vacate their premises within 30 days.
A subsequent communication from the Mumbai Suburban District Collector stated that the Railway intended to begin the removal exercise from November 17.
The petitioners have referred to a Bombay High Court ruling dated October 7, 2026, in another railway encroachment matter, arguing that authorities must follow established procedures for identifying occupants, examining documents and considering rehabilitation before carrying out demolitions.
They have also questioned the absence of a detailed list identifying individual properties in the affected area. Although the railway notice mentions the stretch between kilometre markers 15/600 and 22/400, it does not provide structure-wise or CTS-wise details.
The organisations have therefore requested a joint survey involving the Railway, Collector, City Survey Officer and other relevant departments to establish land boundaries and identify affected homes.
Additionally, they want eligible families considered for housing under nearby Slum Rehabilitation Authority (SRA) projects in Chembur. The petition seeks verification of available housing units, project approvals and household records, including documents establishing the age of existing structures.
The petitioners maintain that demolitions before completing these checks could prevent deserving families from establishing their rehabilitation eligibility.
Source: The Free Press Journal
