A strict directive has been issued by the Bombay High Court requiring residents of Patra Chawl in Goregaon (East) to take possession of their allotted rehabilitation flats by April 30, 2026. It has been stated that if the flats remain unoccupied beyond this deadline, they may be diverted for public housing purposes. The move has been positioned as an effort to prevent valuable housing stock from remaining unused while addressing broader public needs. The matter was reviewed by a division bench, where it was observed that despite earlier assurances from residents about their readiness to occupy the flats, only a small number had actually completed the process. Directions were subsequently issued to the Maharashtra Housing and Area Development Authority to ensure that officials remain present at the site daily so that possession formalities can be completed efficiently and without further delay.
The redevelopment project, which involves approximately 672 displaced families, had faced significant setbacks after the original developer defaulted on its obligations. It was later taken over by MHADA in 2018 to ensure completion and delivery of permanent housing to eligible residents. The current directive has been viewed as a decisive step to bring closure to a long-pending rehabilitation effort.
In addition to concerns about delayed occupancy, serious observations were made regarding the misuse of rehabilitation flats. It was highlighted that in several instances, such properties had been illegally transferred or commercially exploited, thereby defeating the purpose of welfare-driven housing schemes. It was further noted that such unauthorised transactions result in a loss of government revenue, particularly in terms of unpaid stamp duties. Illustrative examples were also referenced during the proceedings. It was pointed out that a rehabilitation flat in another project had been listed for short-term rental on digital platforms, prompting administrative action. Furthermore, it was recalled that a hotel had been found operating across multiple floors within a slum rehabilitation building in Bandra Kurla Complex, highlighting the scale and seriousness of regulatory lapses.
Concerns relating to the quality of construction were also acknowledged, as complaints had been raised about falling plaster and malfunctioning lifts within the newly constructed buildings. While these issues were noted, it was indicated that no further intervention would be undertaken at this stage, with parties being permitted to pursue appropriate remedies through relevant legal or administrative channels. The development has underscored the importance of accountability in urban redevelopment projects. It has also reinforced the principle that housing created under rehabilitation schemes must be utilised strictly for its intended beneficiaries, ensuring that public resources are protected and effectively deployed.
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