The Bombay High Court on Friday dismissed a review petition filed by the Motilal Nagar Vikas Samiti, paving the way for the massive redevelopment of 141 acres of MHADA land in Goregaon West, Mumbai, popularly known as Motilal Nagar. With this, Adani Realty, appointed as the Consultant and Development Agency (CDA) by MHADA, can now move forward with Mumbai’s largest housing redevelopment project.
Background of the Case
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March 6, 2025 Ruling: A division bench of Chief Justice Alok Aradhe and Justice Bharati Dangre allowed MHADA’s 2021 plan to invite private developer bids for Motilal Nagar’s redevelopment.
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The judgment effectively cleared the way for MHADA to redevelop the land by appointing a private developer while disposing of a 2013 PIL seeking action against unauthorised constructions in the colony.
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Review Petition Filed: Motilal Nagar Vikas Samiti sought to recall and quash the March 2025 ruling, demanding a stay on redevelopment and arguing for the society’s right to self-develop under government policy.
Residents’ Key Contentions
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Right to Self-Development: As a registered society, residents claimed entitlement to self-develop the colony under government policy.
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Choice of Developer: Under Rule 33(5)(2) of DCPR, the society argued it could appoint a developer of its choice with MHADA’s NOC.
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51% Consent Rule: Any redevelopment by the society with its own appointed developer required 51% member consent, which they claimed was achievable.
MHADA’s Counterarguments
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MHADA, through senior counsel, said the review plea raised no new grounds.
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The HC’s March 2025 order had already recognised MHADA’s legal ownership rights and authority to redevelop via private bidding.
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Contradictory Affidavit: MHADA highlighted that the society earlier submitted an affidavit expressing willingness for MHADA-led redevelopment, contradicting its current stand.
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Bids and Appointment: MHADA had floated tenders and appointed Adani Realty as the CDA, with the developer bearing all redevelopment costs, including transit accommodation, rehabilitation, and amenities.
High Court’s Decision
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The review petition was dismissed, allowing Motilal Nagar I, II, and III redevelopment projects to proceed.
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A reasoned order will follow, reaffirming MHADA’s ownership rights and redevelopment authority.
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The court’s decision aligns with MHADA’s 2018 plan, which estimated the project cost at ₹21,000 crore, fully funded by the developer, covering:
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Transit and rehabilitation for tenants and slum dwellers
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Shops and amenities for eligible occupants
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Infrastructure and public facilities within the project
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History of the Motilal Nagar Redevelopment Dispute
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Original Colony: Motilal Nagar housed 400 tenants in row houses.
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2013 PILs: Filed by Manjula Veeran and Tekchand Khanchandani, highlighting rampant unauthorised vertical and horizontal constructions.
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2018 MHADA Plan: Estimated ₹21,000 crore redevelopment, later assigned to Adani Realty as CDA.
Impact of the HC Ruling
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Legal Clearance: Redevelopment of 141-acre Motilal Nagar can now begin without legal hurdles.
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Largest Housing Project in Mumbai: Once completed, the project will rehabilitate thousands of residents and unlock massive urban housing potential.
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End of Prolonged Litigation: The dismissal of the review plea resolves a decade-long dispute, first initiated in 2013 via PILs.
