A special committee has been constituted by the Bombay High Court to examine the surge in unnecessary litigation involving the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), as the judiciary expressed concern over repeated failures in municipal governance.
The decision was prompted by a series of petitions revealing instances of civic negligence that had led to prolonged legal battles. It was observed by the division bench of Justices Girish Kulkarni and Kamal Khata that several such matters could have been resolved at the administrative level, had appropriate action been taken by BMC officials. Attention was particularly drawn to a stalled redevelopment project in Dadar, where a ten-storey building — lacking all statutory approvals — had been partially occupied for over a decade. Despite the absence of an Occupation Certificate or safety compliance, 12 commercial shops and two first-floor units had been operational, while 110 rightful tenants remained displaced for over 15 years.
The high court, in its remarks, emphasised that the situation reflected a disturbing pattern of civic inaction. It was noted that the BMC had failed to issue mandatory notices as per the Mumbai Municipal Corporation Act, 1949 and the Maharashtra Regional Town Planning Act, 1966. The occupation of such structures without certification was deemed to be a clear violation of Section 353A of the MMC Act.
The newly formed committee, comprising retired Justice Gautam Patel and senior advocate Naushad Engineer, has been tasked with identifying problematic wards and officials, analysing causes of litigation, and framing a policy to reduce legal entanglements. The panel will be supported by four civic officers nominated by the Municipal Commissioner and must submit its report within four months. It was stated by the court that as one of Asia’s wealthiest and most historic municipal bodies, the BMC should demonstrate a higher standard of transparency, efficiency, and public accountability. “Appalling” negligence over 12 years had been highlighted, with the court expressing dismay at the apparent complicity of civic authorities at multiple levels.
In the meantime, MHADA informed the court that structural audits were being initiated and that plans for redevelopment, including transit accommodations for affected tenants, were underway. The matter has been scheduled for further hearing on August 1. Through this intervention, the judiciary has reiterated the urgent need for reform in civic administration to prevent avoidable litigation, restore lawful procedures, and ensure the rights of citizens are protected within the municipal framework.