BMC Gains Control of Prime Lower Parel Land
The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has formally commenced the process of reclaiming a six-acre land parcel in Lower Parel following a landmark ruling by the Supreme Court (SC). The apex court upheld the civic body’s ownership of the land, dismissing a petition by Century Textiles & Industries Limited to transfer the property to its name.
The property, valued at approximately ₹660 crores as per 2024-2025 Ready Reckoner rates, covers 30,550 square metres and was initially leased to Century Spinning and Manufacturing Limited (now Century Textiles) for a 28-year period starting 1st April 1927. The land was primarily intended to house employees from the economically weaker sections and featured 476 rooms, 10 shops, and a chawl. Despite the lease expiring on 31st March 1955, the company did not return the land to the BMC as stipulated in the agreement. Instead, it sought legal ownership through a petition filed in the Bombay High Court. While the HC initially ruled in favour of Century Textiles in March 2022, the BMC challenged the decision in the SC through a Special Leave Petition. The SC subsequently stayed the HC’s order and, on 7th January 2025, ruled in favour of the BMC, thereby resolving a decades-long legal battle.
Senior civic officials, including Deputy Municipal Commissioner Sanjog Kabre and Assistant Municipal Commissioner Mrudula Ande, inspected the site on Thursday. The BMC has promptly initiated acquisition proceedings, with plans to use the plot for affordable housing projects targeting Mumbai’s weaker sections. “This court ruling reinstates the rightful ownership of the BMC, enabling us to fulfil our commitment to public welfare,” a civic official stated. The development is expected to provide much-needed relief amidst the city’s housing challenges, particularly for economically disadvantaged groups.
