The Bombay High Court has underscored the necessity of transforming Mumbai into a slum-free city, emphasising that the city, often referred to as the financial capital of India, must reflect its status as an international metropolis.
In a session held on Friday, a division bench comprising Justices G.S. Kulkarni and Somasekhar Sunderesan called for the robust and meticulous enforcement of the Maharashtra Slum Areas (Improvement, Clearance and Redevelopment) Act, highlighting the critical role of this legislation in achieving a vision of a slum-free Mumbai. The High Court expressed deep concern over the ongoing plight of slum dwellers, who it noted are frequently exploited by private developers. The bench lamented the lack of accountability in slum redevelopment projects, where developers often fail to deliver on their commitments, leaving slum residents in precarious situations.
“Merely because you are a slum dweller does not mean you should be at the mercy of developers,” the court remarked, pointing out that slum dwellers are often left with substandard housing and inadequate living conditions due to developers’ negligence and the involvement of private interests. The court’s remarks came as part of its ongoing “performance audit” of the Slum Redevelopment Act, a process initiated at the behest of the Supreme Court, which had previously raised concerns about the effectiveness of the Act.
The High Court’s bench emphasised that the responsibility for implementing the Act lies squarely with the government, the Slum Rehabilitation Authority (SRA), and other relevant authorities, who must ensure that the provisions of the Act are rigorously enforced. Highlighting the need for sustainable development, the High Court drew comparisons with international cities such as London, where urban planning prioritises open spaces and long-term urban sustainability. The bench cautioned against the unchecked construction of skyscrapers and the proliferation of concrete jungles, advocating instead for development that includes ample open spaces and considers the needs of future generations.
The court also expressed concern over the delays and poor quality often associated with slum redevelopment projects, stressing that developers must be held accountable to ensure that projects are completed in a timely and professional manner. “The construction quality must be of the highest standard, with proper upkeep and maintenance, so that these redeveloped buildings do not deteriorate into new slums within a decade,” the bench asserted. The High Court suggested that the government explore the feasibility of implementing a rental housing or tenement policy for migrant workers, acknowledging the essential role these workers play in Mumbai’s economy. The court observed that sustainable housing solutions are crucial to the city’s long-term development and urged the government to take proactive steps in this direction.
The High Court’s directives follow the Supreme Court’s order from July, which mandated the establishment of a special bench to conduct a thorough review of the state’s slum redevelopment efforts. The apex court had expressed concerns about the efficacy of the Maharashtra Slum Areas (Improvement, Clearance and Redevelopment) Act, noting that over 1,600 cases related to the Act are pending before the Bombay High Court.
