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The University of Mumbai (MU) has requested direct monetary compensation from the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) for 8.5 acres of land it handed over in 2016 under a memorandum of understanding (MoU) aimed at developing its Kalina campus. Originally, MU was to receive transferable development rights (TDR) and a master plan in exchange. However, with delays in both the TDR issuance and planning progress, MU has now valued the land at around INR 1,200 crore and urged for compensation. MMRDA maintains that final action awaits MU's feedback and formal possession transfer.
The City and Industrial Development Corporation (CIDCO) has presented its highest-ever annual budget of INR 14,130 crore for the financial year 2025-26, aiming to fast-track major infrastructure and urban development initiatives in Navi Mumbai. Key allocations include INR 6,868 crore for general development, INR 3,251 crore for housing, INR 1,120 crore for water supply, and INR 625 crore for metro projects. Additional funds have been earmarked for the Navi Mumbai International Airport, railway upgrades, Navi Mumbai Airport Influence Notified Area (NAINA), and road connectivity schemes.
In a firm move against unauthorised construction, the Bombay High Court has directed the demolition of an illegal structure in Ulhasnagar, Thane district, warning that failure to enforce planning regulations could lead to anarchy. A division bench of the court criticised the inaction of civic authorities and called on the state government to enact laws holding all parties involved in such violations strictly accountable. The ruling came in response to a petition filed by a local resident, who alleged political interference had stalled enforcement action.
Nearly 40% of the six-lane Ulwe Coastal Road-spanning 6.7 km from Amra Marg to the Atal Setu (MTHL) junction at Shivajinagar-has been completed, with CIDCO pushing ahead on this key infrastructure project. The INR 1,591 crore road project, which includes an elevated airport link of 0.903 km, is integral to ensuring seamless connectivity to the upcoming Navi Mumbai International Airport. CIDCO aims to complete the work by September 2026, with significant financial allocations made in the current and upcoming fiscal years.
The Bombay High Court has overturned a July 2023 order by MHADA that had declared the Shoorji Vallabhdas Chawl in Worli as "dangerous" under Section 79-A, observing that a building cannot be deemed dangerous merely because it is old. A two-week stay was granted on the judgement as tenants and MHADA plan to approach the Supreme Court. The case highlighted a prolonged dispute between the landlord and tenants over redevelopment.
In a pioneering move, the forest department has successfully restored a four-hectare buried mangrove stretch near Vashi railway station, marking the first such initiative in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR). The effort involved removing debris dumped at Survey Number 17 in Vashi village. Environmentalists, including NatConnect Foundation and Sagar Shakti, welcomed the move and proposed developing a mangrove walk zone to raise public awareness. They urged Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC) to consider establishing its planned Mangrove Park at this restored site, which offers easier execution and minimal ecological disruption.
The recent hike in ready reckoner rates (RRR) has raised concerns in Mumbai's real estate sector, pushing the city's home affordability index to 51%, above the critical 50% mark. Higher RRR means increased property prices, stamp duties, and developer premiums, making affordable housing harder to build. While government schemes like PMAY support low-cost homes, developers now face tighter margins. However, projects under MHADA are less affected, as their pricing is based on actual development costs, not RRR. MHADA also offers fixed registration and low stamp duty fees, keeping homes accessible for low- and middle-income groups. Prices for already allotted MHADA homes will remain unchanged despite the rate hike.Read more
The Bombay High Court ruled that a builder, Ambit Urbanspace, was not justified in using a commercial arbitration plea to remove tenants with statutory legal protection under the Maharashtra Rent Control Act, 1999. The case involved garage tenants on the premises of Poddar Apartment Co-operative Housing Society in Kandivli, who were distinct from society members. The court stated that arbitration could not serve as a "backdoor method" for eviction, particularly when landlords had not acted for decades regarding alleged illegal usage. The judgment emphasised that tenancy matters should be addressed through the Rent Act forum.
A study by Pani Haq Samiti (PHS) and the University of Mumbai has evaluated the effects of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation's (BMC) Water for All policy, launched in 2022, on slum dwellers. The findings indicate significant improvements in residents' access to water, health, and financial burdens. However, despite 14,000 approvals out of 16,000 applications, only 7,043 legal connections have been provided. Experts highlight systemic biases and persistent challenges, such as low pressure and contamination. BMC aims to expand water connections while reducing non-revenue water losses, which currently account for 30% of the supply in Indian cities.
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The Income Tax Appellate Tribunal (ITAT), Mumbai, has ruled that the value of a new flat received in a redevelopment project cannot be taxed as 'Income from Other Sources' under Section 56(2)(x) of the Income Tax Act. The ruling, which provides relief to homeowners, clarifies that redevelopment is an 'extinguishment' of property rights rather than an income-generating transaction. The case involved a taxpayer whose new flat's value was deemed taxable, but ITAT ruled that it was a legitimate asset replacement, not a taxable income.
The Supreme Court has summoned the chief officer of MHADA to explain how the agency plans to clear rent arrears exceeding INR 12 crore for tenants affected by the stalled redevelopment of Parvati Building in South Mumbai. The redevelopment, initiated in 2013, faced prolonged delays after the previous developer defaulted on rent payments for temporary accommodation. Despite MHADA appointing a new developer, tenants remain without homes nor transit rents. The SC has ordered MHADA's chief officer to appear on April 7, 2025, and present a resolution plan.
The Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC) has successfully achieved its revenue collection target, owing to the cooperation of its well-informed citizens. The revenue was generated from various sources, including property tax, water tax, construction permit approvals, and license fees. The Property Tax Department collected INR 826.12 crore, with INR 20.97 crore collected under the Abhay scheme, which offered a 50% discount on penalty charges. The Water Supply Department gathered INR 105.93 crore, while the Urban Planning Department secured INR 381.90 crore from construction permits, primarily from redevelopment projects. Additional revenue was collected through the Licensing Department and local body tax. Future plans include integrating the Bharat Bill Payment System for enhanced convenience.Read more
The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) is set to introduce a financial compensation policy to accelerate the resettlement process for Project-Affected Persons (PAPs) involved in key urban infrastructure developments. This initiative, approved during the 159th MMRDA meeting chaired by Deputy Chief Minister Shri Eknath Shinde, aims to replace the traditional tenement-based resettlement model with direct financial aid. The policy aligns with Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) guidelines and applies to major projects, including the Metro, Mumbai Trans Harbour Link (MTHL), and the Sewri-Worli Elevated Corridor. Compensation will be determined based on Ready Reckoner Rates (ASR Rates), ensuring fair settlements and reducing project delays. By adopting this approach, MMRDA seeks to streamline resettlement, prevent legal complications, and facilitate the timely completion of infrastructure projects crucial for Mumbai's growth.Read more
The Bombay High Court has upheld the removal of Sushanku Builders from a slum rehabilitation project in Bandra, citing delays in the scheme's completion. The builder's plea to reverse the decision, made by the apex grievance redressal committee under the Slum Act was dismissed. The court noted that despite being exonerated for delays until August 2021, the builder's actions post that period were deemed unacceptable, thus justifying the termination of their appointment.
United Spirits has sold a residential property located in Mumbai's Malabar Hill area for INR 172 crore. The property includes furniture, fixtures, and fittings, spanning a ground floor and two upper floors. The buyers are Ajaykumar Dineshkumar Vaghani and Manisha Ajay Vaghani, who have no ties to the company's promoters or group. United Spirits, a subsidiary of Diageo, has been liquidating non-core assets previously owned by its former chairman Vijay Mallya, who stepped down in 2015. The company is based in Bengaluru, Karnataka.
The City and Industrial Development Corporation (CIDCO) has raised property transfer fees across Navi Mumbai by 5 to 10%, with registered housing societies and commercial shops facing a 50% hike. The revised charges took effect from 2nd April. The increase aligns with market trends and infrastructure development, impacting transactions in key areas such as Vashi, Nerul, Panvel, and Kharghar. Residential property transfer fees now range from INR 27,000 to INR 2,31,000 per square metre, while commercial properties exceeding 200 square metres will attract fees as high as INR 5,84,600 per square metre. CIDCO defended the move as necessary for urban growth despite potential market slowdowns.
The Bombay High Court has ruled in favour of 24-hour convenience stores, stating that there are no legal restrictions on their operating hours. The decision follows a plea by Accelerate Productx Ventures Pvt. Ltd., which operates 'The New Shop' in Pune's Hadapsar, challenging police actions forcing closure after 10-11 pm. The court noted that 24x7 stores enhance consumer convenience, boost spending, and generate employment. Police authorities admitted their enforcement was based on a misunderstanding. The court clarified that existing regulations apply only to establishments serving alcohol, theatres, and similar businesses, not general retail stores.
In response to the recent rise in Ready Reckoner rates, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has proposed a property tax increase of 10-12%. The proposal, submitted to Municipal Commissioner Bhushan Gagrani, requires state government approval. While property tax revisions are mandated every five years, the last adjustment occurred in 2015-16. Revenue shortfalls, worsened by exemptions for properties up to 500 sq ft and deferred tax hikes due to the pandemic, have prompted this move. Despite previous attempts to revise rates, strong opposition led to their withdrawal. If approved, the new rates will impact over 9 lakh properties in Mumbai.
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