SRA Not Taking Adequate Steps To Protect Interest Of Slum Dwellers: Bombay HC

The Bombay High Court has recently pulled up the Slum Rehabilitation Authority for not taking adequate steps to protect the interests of slum dwellers as provided under the scheme of the Maharashtra Slum Areas (Improvement, Clearance and Redevelopment) Act.

A division bench of Chief Justice DK Upadhayaya and Justice Arif Doctor noted that a circular has been issued by the SRA on August 1 imposing a condition on builders and developers to deposit 2 years advance transit rent even in ongoing projects.

The bench stated, “But the circular was not being adhered to in letter and spirit.”

The court stated that no permission shall be granted to the developers until the conditions imposed in the circular are fulfilled.

The HC heard 2 PILs filed by advocate Vijendra Rai highlighting the issue of non-payment of transit rent by developers to slum dwellers. The PILs pointed out 17 projects of Omkar Realtors and Developers Pvt Ltd.

During an earlier hearing, the bench directed the SRA to file its affidavit on the issue.

The bench noted that the SRA’s affidavit was vague and insufficient and directed that a better affidavit be filed.

The court stated under the Act, SRA has a mechanism to ensure that the interests of slum dwellers and others are protected, but adequate steps are not being taken.

The court stated, “One of the major areas where the SRA needs to pay attention is non-payment of transit rent to the slum dwellers and disposal of complaints in this regard within some stipulated period of time. Such inaction on the part of the authorities of SRA cannot be approved of.”

The bench posted the matter for further hearing on November 1.