Bombay High Court Orders Immediate Demolition of Worli Transit Camp on Sewage Plant Land
The Bombay High Court has issued a stern order for the expeditious demolition of a partly constructed transit camp in Worli, Mumbai, citing a "systematic design" to favor the developer. In a significant ruling on February 9, 2026, the court directed that construction be "immediately stopped" and no work proceed until further orders, highlighting serious lapses by the Slum Rehabilitation Authority (SRA).
Court Directs Action Against SRA Engineers for Suppressing BMC Communications
The High Court bench, comprising Justices Girish S Kulkarni and Aarti A Sathe, observed that the SRA had allowed the construction of transit buildings despite repeated objections from the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC). The BMC had stated that the land was reserved for a sewage treatment plant (STP), a crucial public infrastructure project. The court directed the CEO of the SRA to consider suspending engineers within a week for allegedly suppressing vital communications from a high-level BMC officer.
Background of the Case and Developer's Plea
The order came in response to a plea by Worli Urban Development Project LLP, formerly known as Lokhandwala DB Realty LLP, challenging a stop-work notice issued by the SRA on December 26, 2025, under the Maharashtra Town Planning Act. The developer had undertaken a project to rehabilitate slum dwellers from several housing societies in Worli. However, the court noted "very disturbing facts" that emerged before the notice was issued, raising doubts about the actions of SRA officials.
Key Observations and Allegations of Favoritism
The bench expressed "very serious doubt" regarding whether SRA Deputy Chief Engineer Rama Mitkar and Executive Engineer DB Patil discharged their duties as expected of public servants. It prima facie observed a "systematic design" to favor the developer, pointing to BMC letters from December 2024 objecting to the transit camp due to encroachment risks on STP land. Despite these objections, the SRA approved seven transit buildings in April 2025, which the court termed an "eye wash."
Implications for Public Infrastructure and Ongoing Probe
The court clarified that the developer's plea would not hinder police authorities from conducting an expeditious probe into SRA lapses and filing an FIR. It ordered the demolition of the partly constructed camp and clearance of one building swiftly. Additionally, the state and BMC were directed to file affidavits on whether the housing department legally reduced the area demarcated for STP expansion from 27,964.04 square metres to 17,756.40 square metres.
Next Steps and Future Hearing
The High Court will hear the plea next on February 23, 2026, as the case continues to unfold with allegations of misconduct and potential deprivation of public land for essential sewage treatment infrastructure. This ruling underscores the court's commitment to upholding urban planning laws and preventing misuse of reserved public spaces.
