The Supreme Court has given the green light for the redevelopment of Bharat Nagar slum in Bandra, dismissing a long-standing appeal by residents opposing the project. The apex court, in its ruling, criticized the petitioners for employing “dilatory tactics” and reaffirmed that they were ineligible for rehabilitation. The verdict upholds the Bombay High Court’s 2023 decision rejecting objections to the Slum Rehabilitation Authority’s (SRA) eviction notice.
With this ruling, Bharat Nagar’s transformation—spanning 44 acres and involving multiple developers—can now proceed without legal obstacles. Saarathi Realtors played a crucial role in securing the Supreme Court’s nod, ensuring a smooth transition for the 2,625 eligible slum dwellers out of the surveyed 2,965 structures.
“From the beginning, we were entrusted by Forum Homes to manage the redevelopment of Bharat Ekta Cooperative Society. Our team took charge of negotiations, resettlement, and community engagement, overcoming numerous challenges,” said Rajiv Agrawal, Co-Founder of Saarathi Realtors.
The redevelopment project, sanctioned in 2010, had been stalled due to resistance from certain residents. While Phase I was completed, Phase II faced legal challenges. However, the Supreme Court has now ruled that Bharat Nagar qualifies as a “censused slum” under Regulation 33(10) of the Development Control Regulations (DCR), making separate notifications under the Slum Act unnecessary.
Ajit Pawar, Co-Founder of Saarathi Realtors, underscored the legal battles faced during the process. “Certain factions attempted to derail the project, but our legal team successfully countered these objections in court. This judgment ensures that such delays no longer hinder slum rehabilitation initiatives in Mumbai.”
The Supreme Court’s decision is expected to accelerate redevelopment efforts, significantly improving living conditions for thousands of Bharat Nagar residents while setting a precedent for similar projects across the city.
