Summary: Sateri Builders and Developers LLP faced legal challenges over a slum redevelopment project in Mumbai. The Bombay High Court ruled in favor of Sateri, allowing the project to proceed despite political and bureaucratic interference.
In November 2020, Sateri Builders was chosen to redevelop a slum area in Vile Parle, Mumbai. The project aimed to improve a plot known as Final Plot No. 187 under the Slum Rehabilitation Scheme.
On December 2, 2020, Sateri submitted a plan for the redevelopment, which was conditionally approved by the Slum Rehabilitation Authority (SRA) on February 25, 2021. The approval required that people living on a nearby road be included in the project.
"The plan was accepted on the condition that people living on the nearby DP Road be included in the project."
A local MLA, called Respondent No. 9, opposed the project, supposedly to help a competing developer. Some slum residents who did not agree with the project challenged the approval, saying there were problems with the plan. The Apex Grievance Redressal Committee (AGRC) initially canceled Sateri's Letter of Intent (LOI), but the Bombay High Court reversed this decision in April 2024.
"The High Court brought back the proposal, allowing the redevelopment to continue."
The slum residents who did not agree with the project took the issue to the Supreme Court, which dismissed their appeal in May 2024, supporting the High Court's decision.
"The Supreme Court dismissed the appeal, allowing the project to move forward."
Even with the Supreme Court's support, political interference continued. The Minister of State sent a notice to reconsider the LOI based on the MLA's complaint, but no final decision was made.
"Respondent No. 1 held a meeting but did not make any final decisions."
The Bombay High Court, with Justices G.S. Kulkarni and Arif S. Doctor, ruled in favor of Sateri Builders. The court instructed the authorities to issue necessary certificates and help implement the project without further interference.
"The court ordered the issuance of the Commencement Certificate and stopped further interference."
The court's decision allowed Sateri Builders to continue with the redevelopment project, directing authorities to provide necessary support and prevent any more political or bureaucratic delays.
