KAPILKUNJ CHSL Vs. STATE OF MAHARASHTRA

JUDGEMENT

(1.) We have before us three Writ Petitions and almost twice as many parties. This is a classic case of a developer playing fast and loose with development rights at the cost of those entitled to reconstructed homes or rehabilitation, third party purchasers, permanent transit camp units and worse. Over the last few days, we have also expressed our great dismay and distress at the complete lack of supervision of the developer and his on-site activities by the Slum Rehabilitation Authority ("SRA"), the special planning authority, and particularly its CEO. He is present in Court under our directions.

(2.) Pursuant to directions yesterday, we now have a report of the CEO. We have seen that report and its annexures. It is signed by the Executive Engineer, N Ward of the SRA. Because there is now supervision and compliance and because we find this report fairly satisfactory for the present purposes we do not think it is necessary to immediately initiate further action against officers of the SRA. But we must be mindful that these problems with the SRA are not isolated instances. Our daily cause list is filled with SRA-related matters, and we find this happening again and again. Particularly disturbing is the complete lack of adequate record-keeping by the SRA of the activities of builders and how rehab properties change hands and even character without the SRA knowing the slightest thing about any of this.

(3.) A sharper observation should not be invited as to how this could possibly come to pass. We trust our meaning is now abundantly clear to all concerned.