Quick Summary: A group of residents in Malad, Mumbai, has been told to leave their homes on railway land. The court decided against them, saying the buildings were not allowed. They have 60 days to move out, but some might get new homes if they qualify.
On January 23, 2025, officials from the Western Railway in Mumbai told the residents they had to leave their homes. These homes were said to be not allowed.
The residents, including Dinesh Hiralal Waghela, argued that they had lived there since 1980. They mentioned a government decision from December 12, 2000, and a Supreme Court decision from December 16, 2021, to support their claims.
“We have been here since 1980,” Dinesh Hiralal Waghela said, hoping to qualify for help under the Mumbai Urban Transport Project (MUTP).
The court, led by Judges Ravindra V. Ghuge and Abhay J. Mantri, disagreed. They said the residents couldn't show their homes were part of any allowed project. On February 26, 2026, the court rejected the residents' requests.
The eviction was under a law about removing people from public land. The court found that the railway authorities followed the rules by giving notices and allowing the residents to respond.
The court gave the residents 60 days to leave. If they don't, the railways can take action, including asking the police for help. However, the court suggested that if any programs exist to help people find new homes, the residents could apply.
“The Railways are also responsible... and should help those affected,” the court noted.
The court decided that the residents must leave the railway land because their homes were not authorized. They have 60 days to vacate, but there might be a possibility for some to get help with relocation if they qualify.
