The Bombay High Court has instructed the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) to initiate action against unauthorized constructions undertaken by private firm M/s India Corporation across five locations in Bhiwandi taluka. The authority has been given eight weeks to enforce its earlier order and proceed against the illegal structures.
The constructions are located in Dive-Anjur, Mankoli, Gundavali, Dapode and Purne. The court’s directions came while hearing a public interest litigation (PIL) filed by Sandeep Kamlakar Mhatre, who sought action against the company’s unauthorized developments.
The petition requested the MMRDA to implement its June 10, 2026, order rejecting permission for regularization of the disputed constructions. It also sought demolition of the structures and recovery of the expenses incurred during the process from the responsible parties, in accordance with the law.
During the hearing, advocate Sagar Joshi, representing the petitioner, informed the court that the authority had failed to effectively implement its earlier directive despite the order being issued several months ago. The petitioner also highlighted that there was no stay preventing the MMRDA from proceeding against the unauthorized developments.
The MMRDA, meanwhile, sought additional time to examine the reasons behind the delay in implementing its June 10 order. The authority also assured the court that permissions for constructions falling within its jurisdiction would be granted strictly in accordance with applicable legal provisions.
A division bench comprising Chief Justice Mahesh Chandra Tripathi and Justice Advait Sethna observed that the MMRDA had already rejected the regularization of the disputed structures. It stated that the authority was legally required to enforce its decision unless there was any other legal impediment.
The bench directed the MMRDA to initiate appropriate action within eight weeks of receiving a certified copy of the court’s order. It also clarified that the expenses incurred in carrying out the action should be recovered from the concerned parties as per the law.
Following these directions, the High Court disposed of the public interest litigation.
Source: Loksatta
