Did the SC Approve the Redevelopment of Mumbai’s Motilal Nagar Under C&DA Model?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Supreme Court upholds MHADA’s decision.
- Motilal Nagar redevelopment covers 143 acres.
- Residents to receive 1,600 sq ft in exchange for 230 sq ft.
- Project executed in partnership with Adani Realty.
- C&DA covers all costs of rehabilitation.
New Delhi, June 28 (NationPress) The Supreme Court confirmed the Maharashtra Housing and Area Development Authority’s (MHADA) initiative to redevelop Mumbai’s Motilal Nagar under the Construction and Development Agency (C&DA) model, rejecting legal appeals from local residents’ groups.
A panel of Justices Vikram Nath and Sandeep Mehta dismissed a special leave petition from three petitioners — Motilal Nagar Jankalyankari Samiti, Motilal Rahivasi Vikas Sangh, and Gaurav Arun Rane— that contested the Bombay High Court ruling which facilitated the redevelopment of 143 acres in Motilal Nagar I, II, and III through the C&DA.
Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, representing MHADA, noted that the land is owned by the housing authority and emphasized the project’s 'special status' granted by the Maharashtra government.
He indicated that acquiring individual consent from thousands of residents could significantly delay the long-awaited redevelopment.
The apex court acknowledged that residents would receive 1,600 sq ft of built-up area in exchange for 230 sq ft of existing occupancy, which far exceeds the standard entitlement under the Development Control and Promotion Regulations (DCPR).
Previously, the Bombay High Court had turned down a review petition by the Motilal Nagar Vikas Samiti, affirming the legality of the C&DA method for the Motilal Nagar redevelopment.
The Motilal Nagar redevelopment initiative, undertaken in collaboration with Estatevue Private Developers, a subsidiary of Adani Realty, aims to relocate approximately 3,700 residents into modern 1,600 sq ft apartments. The C&DA agreement also encompasses 987 sq ft of commercial space and enhanced infrastructure.
MHADA will maintain full ownership of the land, while Estatevue Private Developers will manage the redevelopment execution. The Rs 36,000-crore project is expected to unfold over seven years, during which 3,372 residential units, 328 commercial units, and 1,600 tenements from a nearby slum will be relocated.
The C&DA will cover the entire cost of rehabilitation, infrastructure, and amenities, at no expense to MHADA.