The Planning Department, through a Government Resolution dated June 5, 2026, has mandated that all new and revised project proposals must be evaluated against the department’s actual expenditure over the past three financial years. The move comes amid concerns that several departments have been undertaking projects far exceeding their budgetary capacity, leading to delays and rising costs.

Under the new norms, departments must assess the total financial liability of ongoing projects along with proposed new ones. If the combined cost remains within twice the average annual expenditure of the past three years, approvals can proceed through the existing process.

However, if the total liability exceeds this threshold, the proposal must be cleared by a High-Powered Committee on construction headed by the Chief Secretary before being sent for final approval. This additional layer of scrutiny is expected to limit indiscriminate project approvals and improve prioritization.

The guidelines apply to a wide range of public works including roads, highways, bridges, railways, airports, irrigation projects, water supply schemes, drainage systems, and government buildings.

The government has also directed departments to ensure that all proposals align with the long-term vision outlined in the “Developed Maharashtra 2047” document.

Impact on the Common Man

For citizens, the decision could bring mixed but largely positive outcomes. On one hand, stricter financial checks may slow down the announcement of new projects, especially in sectors like housing, roads, and urban infrastructure. This could delay some local development works.

On the other hand, the policy is expected to improve execution quality. By preventing over-commitment of funds, the government aims to complete ongoing projects faster and avoid cost escalations that ultimately burden taxpayers.

In practical terms, this could mean fewer stalled infrastructure projects, better road quality, more timely completion of government housing schemes, and improved delivery of basic services like water supply and drainage.

Experts say the move signals a shift from “announcement-driven governance” to “execution-focused governance,” which could enhance long-term infrastructure reliability across the state.

The resolution has been issued with concurrence from the Finance Department and is now in effect across all administrative departments.

Also Read: Maharashtra Forms Panel to Explore Housing Options for Mumbai Mill Workers After Fresh Push

The post Maharashtra Caps Project Approvals to Control Costs, Tightens Funding Rules appeared first on Square Feat India.

Justice Amit Borkar, in his order pronounced on 7 May 2026, allowed the writ petition filed by Vishal T. Lathia and other members of the Managing Committee of Nensey Cottage Co-operative Housing Society Ltd, located at Sant Dyaneshwar Marg, Borivali (East). The court set aside the orders passed by the Deputy Registrar, Co-operative Societies (R-North Ward), and the Divisional Joint Registrar, terming the action as a “colourable exercise of power” influenced by external political pressure.

Background of the Dispute

The controversy arose when the society, which had secured 85% member consent for redevelopment and appointed a developer, faced opposition from a section of members. These members, instead of approaching the appropriate forums, routed their grievances through a local Member of Legislative Council (MLC) belonging to the same political party as one of the complainants, Mr. Sudhir Hattangadi.

On 26 August 2025, the MLC wrote to the Deputy Registrar. On the same day, the Deputy Registrar issued a show cause notice. Subsequently, on 27 November 2025, the Deputy Registrar passed an order under Section 75(5) of the Maharashtra Co-operative Societies Act, 1960, disqualifying the managing committee members for two years (later reduced to six months), citing non-submission of Audit Rectification Reports for FY 2022-23 and 2023-24.

Later, on 20 January 2026, an Administrator was appointed under Section 77A(1)(b-1), and one of the complainants was made part of the board. The bank accounts of the society were also frozen.

High Court’s Key Observations

Justice Borkar observed that the petitioners had submitted clear documentary evidence — letters dated 25 September 2023 and 10 September 2024 with official acknowledgements from the Deputy Registrar’s office — proving that the audit rectification reports and accounts were duly submitted. However, both the Deputy Registrar and the Divisional Joint Registrar failed to consider this material and passed orders mechanically.

The court noted that the entire proceedings were triggered by a politically motivated complaint. Relying heavily on the Supreme Court’s judgment in State of M.P. vs. Sanjay Nagayach (2013), Justice Borkar held that statutory authorities like the Registrar must function independently and cannot act under external pressure or political influence.

The judge remarked that the “chain of events” — complaint to the MLC, immediate letter from the MLC, and swift action by the Deputy Registrar on the same day — created a strong impression that the authority did not apply its mind independently. The court described this as a colourable exercise of power.

The appointment of the Administrator was also set aside as it was based on the flawed disqualification order. The court further criticised the use of the urgency proviso under Section 77A without recording valid reasons and noted the conflict of interest in appointing a complainant as part of the Administrator board.

Relief Granted and Directions Issued

The High Court passed the following directions:

• All impugned orders dated 27.11.2025, 20.01.2026, and 15.04.2026 stand quashed and set aside.
• The disqualification of the petitioners is cancelled.
• The original Managing Committee stands restored forthwith.
• The Administrator must immediately hand over charge, records, and documents to the restored committee.
• The society’s bank accounts shall be restored to the Managing Committee.

In a significant direction, the court ordered the Secretary, Co-operation Department, to examine the conduct of the Deputy Registrar (who passed the original orders) and the Divisional Joint Registrar. The State Government has been directed to call for their explanations and decide on disciplinary action within three months. A compliance affidavit must be filed in the High Court.

The request for stay of the judgment made by Respondent No. 12 was rejected by the court.

Significance of the Order

This judgment sends a strong message against political interference in the functioning of cooperative housing societies, especially in redevelopment matters. It reiterates that democratically elected bodies cannot be removed casually on the basis of politically motivated complaints without independent application of mind by statutory authorities.

The matter has been listed for compliance on 10 August 2026.

Also Read: Bombay HC Ends 20-Year Battle, Orders Eviction from Prime Bandra Plot

The post Bombay High Court Orders Probe Against Deputy Registrar Over Political Influence in Coop Society appeared first on Square Feat India.

The Urban Development Department issued a public notice dated March 12, 2026, which was published in newspapers on April 23, 2026, inviting objections and suggestions from the public. The proposal seeks to amend Regulation 33(9)(A)(4) of the Development Control and Promotion Regulations (DCPR) 2034 for Greater Mumbai.

Key Highlights of the Proposed Changes

• Minimum Entitlement: Eligible occupants of existing buildings and chawls will receive a minimum carpet area of 370 sq.ft (34.37 sq.m) plus 35% additional fungible area, taking the total unit size to around 500 sq.ft.
• Maximum Free Area: Residents will be entitled to rehabilitation equivalent to the actual carpet area they occupied in the old building, up to a maximum of 70 sq.m (approximately 753 sq.ft) — all provided free of cost as part of the Rehabilitation Residential Component (RRC).
• Beyond 753 sq.ft: Any additional area requested by the occupant will be available at construction cost.
• Important Clarification: This enhanced provision does not apply to pure slum hutment dwellers, who continue to be covered under separate Dharavi Redevelopment Project rules.

The move follows a high-level review meeting chaired by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, where the need for better rehabilitation standards for building residents was emphasized to ensure smoother implementation of the project.

Background and Rationale

Dharavi, one of Asia’s largest informal settlements, is being redeveloped through a Special Purpose Vehicle. While the core focus has been on slum rehabilitation, thousands of families living in chawls, housing societies, and other formal structures within the redevelopment zone were previously entitled to only 300 sq.ft minimum carpet area.

Officials say the upgrade to 500 sq.ft (and up to 753 sq.ft) will provide significantly improved living conditions, better amenities, and higher resident satisfaction, while making the project more viable for developers through additional incentives.

The proposed modification explicitly states that the 35% fungible area provided for rehabilitation will not be counted towards the developer’s Incentive Sale Component (ISC).

Public Participation Invited

The government has given the public one month from the date of publication (i.e., until approximately May 23, 2026) to submit objections or suggestions. These can be sent in writing to the Deputy Director of Town Planning, Greater Mumbai, at ENSA Hutments, E-Block, Azad Maidan, Mumbai – 400 001.

The full notice is also available on the Maharashtra Government website.

This development is being seen as a resident-friendly step that could set a precedent for cluster redevelopment projects across Mumbai. Stakeholders, including housing societies in Dharavi, are expected to closely review the proposal in the coming weeks.

Also Read: Dharavi Redevelopment Tender Cancelled

The post Dharavi Redevelopment: Non-Slum Dwellers to Get Minimum 500 Sq Ft Homes Under Major Policy Upgrade appeared first on Square Feat India.

The recent controversy involving IAS officer Sanjeev Jaiswal at the Motilal Nagar public meeting has sharply divided public opinion in Mumbai. The episode is being viewed through multiple lenses, sparking debate not just about individual conduct but also about deeper issues of governance, language, and accountability in urban redevelopment projects.

The Divided Opinions

One section believes the protester was out of line—especially when the rehabilitation package on offer is highly favourable. Reports suggest that tenants occupying around 260 sq ft are being offered homes as large as 1,600 sq ft, making the opposition appear disproportionate.

Others, however, feel the IAS officer went too far. Their argument is simple: regardless of provocation, a senior public servant is expected to maintain composure. The tone and language used in response to a citizen holding a protest placard, they argue, crossed the limits of acceptable conduct in a public forum.

Political voices have now entered the debate, accusing the officer of overstepping boundaries. The result is a polarised Mumbai—one side insisting protesters must stay “within limits,” the other demanding the same from those in authority.

What is the Real “Limit”?

In a democracy, citizens have the right to protest peacefully. At the same time, such protests should ideally respect local sensitivities, including language and decorum.

However, the burden of restraint is not equal.

Government officers represent the state. They are expected to uphold a higher standard of conduct—marked by dignity, patience, and emotional control—even in challenging situations.

When either side fails to maintain this balance, confrontations like the one at Motilal Nagar become almost inevitable. The real issue, therefore, is not who crossed the line—but why the system allowed the situation to reach that point.

The Bigger Governance Vacuum

Beyond the immediate clash, the incident exposes a deeper institutional problem within MHADA.

For years, key leadership positions have remained vacant:

• MHADA President (the apex political head)
• MHADA Mumbai Board Chairman

These are not redundant posts. They exist precisely to bridge the gap between bureaucracy and public sentiment.

Had either of these positions been filled, it is highly likely that a political leader—not a bureaucrat—would have chaired such a sensitive public meeting.

Why the Long Delay in Appointments?

This raises a fundamental question for successive Maharashtra governments:

If these positions are so unimportant that the system can function without them for years, then they should be abolished altogether.

But if they serve a real purpose—bringing political accountability and public sensitivity into governance—then why have they remained vacant since 2019?

Across both the previous and current regimes, the failure to appoint individuals to these roles reflects a concerning lack of administrative priority.

This prolonged vacuum has consequences:

• Increased pressure on bureaucrats
• Reduced political accountability
• Greater disconnect between policy decisions and public sentiment

The Way Forward

Incidents like Motilal Nagar are not inevitable—they are preventable.

First, the government must immediately fill vacant leadership positions within MHADA. These roles exist for a reason and cannot remain symbolic placeholders.

Second, there is a need for clear guidelines governing public meetings—especially those involving redevelopment and rehabilitation. This should include protocols around protest management, communication standards, and acceptable conduct from both officials and citizens.

Finally, there must be a renewed emphasis on mutual respect:

• Citizens should protest constructively
• Officials must remember they are public servants, not authority figures above scrutiny

Conclusion

The Motilal Nagar episode is not just about one confrontation—it is a symptom of a larger governance gap.

An over-reliance on bureaucrats for politically sensitive roles, combined with a persistent leadership vacuum in key housing bodies, creates the perfect conditions for such conflicts.

The Maharashtra government must decide:
Either strengthen institutions through timely appointments—or accept that such controversies will continue to surface.

Because in the end, this is not just about one incident. It is about whether governance can truly bridge the gap between policy and people.

Also Read: Motilal Nagar Residents Oppose Adani, Claim MVA’s 2021 GR Favoured Developer Over Residents

The post Could We Have Avoided the Friday Motilal Nagar Incident? A Governance Failure Beyond One Clash appeared first on Square Feat India.

The order, delivered by Justice Kamal Khata on 10 February 2026 in Contempt Petition No. 330 of 2025 (arising from Appeal from Order No. 874 of 2024), dismissed the appeal filed by petitioner Preeti Manohar Sakpal while imposing exemplary costs of ₹5 lakhs on her. The court also dismissed her contempt petition against the BMC (after accepting that the breach had been purged) but issued a stern warning to the corporation and directed accountability measures against erring officials.

Full Background of the Case

The dispute dates back to 30 July 2019, when the BMC issued a notice under Section 314 of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation Act, 1888, directing the removal of an alleged unauthorised structure measuring approximately 40 ft × 10 ft (or 10.40 m × 1.6 m as per BMC records) on M.G. Road, near Tilak Road, Santacruz (West). The petitioner, Preeti Manohar Sakpal (daughter of the original occupant, now deceased), claimed the premises housed her family’s video game parlour business, which she said had been in existence since at least 1986.

Sakpal’s father had allegedly acquired rights to an “open space” via an unregistered agreement dated 12 September 1986 for ₹95,000 from one Pandurang Gawade. She produced supporting documents including:

• Electricity meter transfer application (1987)
• Electricity bills spanning decades
• Property tax receipts
• Shop and Establishment registration certificate

She argued these proved long-standing, uninterrupted possession (well beyond the MRTP Act’s datum line of 1 January 1964/1961 for protected structures) and that the BMC notice was invalid, vague, and typically used for hawkers rather than permanent shops. She claimed the structure was not on the road or abutting any nala, but behind two other structures, and that demolition was being disguised as road widening.

On 2 August 2019, just days after the notice, Sakpal filed a civil suit (L.C. Suit No. 1879 of 2019) in the City Civil Court at Dindoshi seeking an injunction against demolition. The trial court dismissed her Notice of Motion on 7 May 2024, refusing interim relief.

Sakpal appealed to the Bombay High Court (Appeal from Order No. 874 of 2024). During pendency, the High Court granted interim status quo on 27 November 2024. However, in a larger anti-encroachment drive on 15 May 2025 near Santacruz West Railway Station (removing ~38 stalls/projections), a portion of her structure was partially demolished. The BMC stopped the action once the court order was highlighted, reconstructed the demolished part on 16 August 2025, and tendered an apology.

Sakpal then filed a contempt petition (No. 330 of 2025), alleging wilful disobedience. She also pressed for priority hearing of contempt over the main appeal.

Why the Court Came Down Heavily on BMC Officials

While the court firmly ruled against the petitioner – holding the structure unauthorised, on a public street/footpath (defined under Section 3(w) & (x) of the BMC Act), removable summarily under Section 314, and that no documents conferred title or regularisation – it reserved its sharpest criticism for the BMC’s systemic failures.

Key observations:

• The structure’s location immediately behind a BMC chowki (ward office) and near the railway line made its decades-long existence inexplicable without municipal complicity or gross negligence.
• Such prolonged inaction “raises serious and troubling questions” of “willful blindness or dereliction of duty” by municipal officers.
• Failure to act against illegal constructions “emboldens wrongdoers and corrodes the confidence of law-abiding citizens in municipal governance and the rule of law.”
• The court treated this as a “test case” to address accountability.

Directions on BMC accountability:

• Municipal Commissioner to initiate an inquiry to identify responsibility for the inaction.
• Take necessary steps against concerned officers.
• Place adverse entries on their service records.
• A copy of the judgment to be sent to the Commissioner forthwith.

The court accepted the BMC’s explanation that the partial demolition was inadvertent (part of a wider drive, no petitioner representative present), stopped promptly, and rectified via reconstruction. Contempt was thus purged, but with a stern warning of strict consequences (departmental inquiry, suspension, etc.) for any future violations.

Outcome and Broader Implications

• Appeal dismissed with ₹5 lakh costs (payable within 4 weeks to Armed Forces Battle Casualties Welfare Fund; recoverable as land revenue if defaulted).
• Trial court order upheld; interim relief vacated.
• Matter listed for compliance on 24 March 2026.
• Request for stay of the judgment rejected.

The judgment underscores a zero-tolerance stance on public land encroachments, criticising both litigants who abuse process to prolong illegal occupation and municipal bodies that allow such structures to fester due to lax enforcement. Legal experts view the inquiry directive as a rare push for internal municipal reform in encroachment matters.

Also Read: Senior Citizens First: Builders Face Removal If Redevelopment Delays Leave Elderly Roofless

The post BMC Commissioner Directed to Hold Inquiry into How Illegal Structure Existed for Decades Next to a BMC Chowki appeared first on Square Feat India.

The case stems from Writ Petition No. 10003 of 2023, filed by Namdeo Suratsingh Chaudhary, a 55-year-old retired resident of Kalyan, Thane district. Chaudhary challenged orders passed by the Assistant Registrar and the Divisional Joint Registrar, which directed his removal from the membership rolls of Bijlee Cooperative Housing Society Ltd. in Santacruz (East), Mumbai, and the entry of the heirs of the society’s founder member, late Natu Ambersingh Patil.

Background of the Dispute

The controversy dates back to 1976 when, according to Chaudhary, Natu Patil transferred his membership rights—including Share Certificate Nos. 146 to 150—to him. The society’s Managing Committee approved the transfer on December 19, 1976, and Chaudhary has been recognized as a member ever since. He paid construction charges between 1976 and 1978, served on the Managing Committee from 1989 to 1993, and was even acknowledged in prior election disputes before cooperative courts.

Natu Patil passed away on August 16, 1981, without any recorded objection to the transfer during his lifetime. However, in January 2018—over 42 years later—his legal heirs (Respondent No. 1, including family members from Dhule district) approached the Assistant Registrar. They claimed that no valid transfer had occurred, alleging collusion between Chaudhary and the society’s then-Chairman (said to be Chaudhary’s relative). They argued that Natu Patil’s name remained in the society’s records erroneously, even appearing in the 2017 provisional voters’ list, and demanded their names be substituted as rightful heirs.

The Assistant Registrar, after hearing both sides, ordered on September 15, 2018, that Chaudhary’s name be deleted and the heirs’ names entered. This was upheld by the Divisional Joint Registrar in a revision application. Chaudhary then moved the High Court under Article 226 of the Constitution, arguing that the Registrar overstepped his statutory bounds.

Court’s Reasoning: Why the Registrar Overstepped Jurisdiction

Justice Borkar meticulously analyzed the relevant provisions of the Maharashtra Cooperative Societies Act—Sections 11, 22, and 25A—invoked by the respondents to justify the Registrar’s actions. The court emphasized that these sections confer only “narrow and specific” powers, not broad adjudicatory authority for intricate disputes.

• Section 11: This empowers the Registrar to decide preliminary, objective questions such as whether a person is an agriculturist, resides within the society’s operational area, or belongs to a government-notified disqualified class under Section 22(1A). The court noted that this is a “summary” jurisdiction meant for “simple and objective facts” that do not require detailed evidence or prolonged inquiries. It is not designed to handle “complicated disputes” involving succession, title to shares, or allegations of forgery in old transactions.
• Section 22: Dealing with eligibility for membership, this section allows the state to disqualify certain professions or classes. Subsections (1A) and (1B) link back to Section 11 for verifying such disqualifications. However, the court clarified that it does not authorize the Registrar to investigate past transfers or create/substitute memberships. In this case, no statutory disqualification was alleged against Chaudhary; the heirs’ claims were based on inheritance and invalidity of the 1976 transfer, which fall outside this provision.
• Section 25A: This allows the society’s committee (or the Registrar on direction) to remove names of those who have “ceased to be members” or are disqualified under the Act or rules. The court held that this is an “administrative correction” tool, presupposing an already-established cessation or disqualification. It does not empower the Registrar to adjudicate disputed titles, declare old transfers void, or substitute heirs based on unproven claims.

Justice Borkar observed that the heirs’ grievance involved “disputed inheritance, challenge to transactions of transfer, validity of documents, or allegations of forgery”—issues requiring “deeper examination” with witnesses, original documents, and cross-examination. Such matters, the court ruled, must be resolved in “proper forums” like cooperative courts or civil courts, not through the Registrar’s limited powers. The judgment highlighted that allowing the Registrar to delve into these would bypass the Act’s statutory scheme.

The court also addressed the Assistant Registrar’s findings on Chaudhary’s documents (photocopies of minutes and resolutions lacking seals or authentication), noting that while they raised doubts, this did not confer jurisdiction on the Registrar to substitute members. Additionally, the heirs’ 42-year delay and their non-residence in Mumbai (contrary to the society’s bye-laws) were flagged, but the core issue remained jurisdictional overreach.

Implications of the Ruling

This judgment is poised to set a precedent for cooperative societies in Maharashtra, where membership disputes often arise from family successions or historical transfers. Legal experts say it reinforces the need for aggrieved parties to approach specialized tribunals rather than the Registrar for complex claims, potentially reducing backlog in administrative bodies while ensuring fair trials.

Senior Advocate Atul Damle, representing Chaudhary, argued during the hearing that the Registrar’s orders were “without jurisdiction.” In contrast, Senior Advocate Anil Sakhare for the heirs relied on prior judgments to assert the Registrar’s powers, but the court distinguished those cases as involving narrower eligibility issues.

The petition was allowed in part: The impugned orders were quashed, and the society was directed to restore Chaudhary’s name in the membership register as it stood before September 2018. However, the court clarified that it had not decided the merits of title or succession, leaving those open for determination in a competent forum.

This ruling underscores the Bombay High Court’s commitment to upholding statutory limits on administrative authorities, ensuring that justice in cooperative matters is delivered through appropriate channels.

Also Read: Housing Society is the Boss: Bombay HC Strikes Down Registrar’s Role in Redevelopment NOCs

The post Bombay High Court Limits Registrar’s Role – Complex Housing Society Disputes Must Go to Proper Forums appeared first on Square Feat India.

The General Administration Department (GAD) issued a Government Resolution (GR) on December 9, 2025, noting that several vacant sections in the GST Bhavan can be repurposed to accommodate state departments currently paying rent elsewhere. The GR explicitly cites the government’s policy:

“शासनाचे कोणतेही कार्यालय भाड्याने राहू नये असे शासनाचे धोरण प्रस्तापित आहे.”
(‘It is the policy of the Government that no government office should remain on rent.’)

Why the Committee Was Formed

The GST Bhavan—originally built for GST department functions—now has unused space. To ensure optimum utilisation and reduce recurring rental expenditure, a dedicated committee has been formed to oversee the fair allotment of this space to state departments.

Composition of the Committee

The committee has the following members:

• Additional Chief Secretary (Services-II), GAD — Chairperson
• Representative (Financial Reforms), Finance Department — Member
• Representative (Buildings), Public Works Department — Member
• Deputy Secretary (Establishment-1), GAD — Member Secretary
• Representative of the concerned department — Member

This committee is empowered to evaluate space requirements, coordinate with departments, and finalise allotments.

Broader Context

The Maharashtra government spends significant sums annually on renting private office spaces across Mumbai. With real estate costs rising sharply, the policy to shift offices into government-owned buildings has gained urgency.

What Happens Next

• Departments currently in rented spaces will be prioritised for shifting.
• The committee will conduct inspection, assessment of readiness, and allocation.
• Administrative savings are expected once rental payments are discontinued.

The move signals Maharashtra’s push to improve resource utilisation, cut costs, and enhance administrative efficiency—beginning with the strategic repurposing of GST Bhavan in Wadala.

Also Read: Maharashtra Government Directs Builders to Not Hire Bangladeshi Workers

The post Maharashtra Govt Reiterates Policy: No Office Should Function on Rent; Forms Committee to Allot Space in GST Bhavan appeared first on Square Feat India.

The new attachment—made under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA)—covers 18 properties, fixed deposits, bank balances, and unquoted investments linked to Reliance Infrastructure Ltd., Reliance Power Ltd., Reliance Value Services Pvt. Ltd., Reliance Venture Asset Management Pvt. Ltd., Phi Management Solutions Pvt. Ltd., Adhar Property Consultancy Pvt. Ltd., and Gamesa Investment Management Pvt. Ltd.

A Major Crackdown in the Yes Bank–Reliance Finance Fraud Case

The latest action is connected to the Reliance Home Finance Ltd. (RHFL) and Reliance Commercial Finance Ltd. (RCFL) cases, in which ED has been investigating large-scale diversion of public funds.

According to the agency, Yes Bank had invested:

• ₹2,965 crore in RHFL instruments, and
• ₹2,045 crore in RCFL instruments

between 2017–2019.
By 2019, these investments turned non-performing, leaving Yes Bank with outstanding dues of:

• ₹1,353.50 crore (RHFL)
• ₹1,984 crore (RCFL)

ED’s probe revealed that RHFL and RCFL had received over ₹11,000 crore in public money which was then diverted through complex routes.

The Mutual Fund–Yes Bank–Reliance Route

A key finding is the alleged round-tripping of public money:

• As per SEBI rules, Reliance Nippon Mutual Fund could not invest directly in Anil Ambani-controlled finance companies.
• Instead, funds from the mutual fund schemes were routed to Yes Bank, which then invested in RHFL and RCFL.
• ED calls this a “circuitous route” designed to bypass conflict-of-interest regulations.

Fraudulent Diversions Across Group Companies

The agency states that various Anil Ambani group companies—including Reliance Communications Ltd. (RCOM), Reliance Home Finance Ltd., Reliance Commercial Finance Ltd., Reliance Infrastructure Ltd., and Reliance Power Ltd.—were involved in fraudulent diversion of bank loans.

In the larger RCOM case:

• Loans between 2010 and 2012 amassed to ₹40,185 crore outstanding
• 9 banks have declared these loan accounts as fraud

ED claims to have uncovered:

• ₹13,600 crore used for evergreening of loans
• ₹12,600 crore diverted to connected parties
• ₹1,800 crore invested in FDs and mutual funds, later liquidated and routed back
• Misuse of bill discounting
• Funds siphoned abroad through foreign remittances

What ED Has Attached Now

The fresh attachments worth ₹1,120 crore include:

Major Mumbai Properties

• Reliance Centre, Ballard Estate
• Commercial building (Reliance Infrastructure Ltd.), MIDC, Andheri East
• Residential properties at Santacruz
• A guest house also at Santacruz

Assets in Chennai & Panvel

• 231 residential plots in Chennai (Reliance Value Services Pvt. Ltd.)
• 7 residential flats in Chennai and Panvel

Financial Assets

• Fixed deposits and bank balances of:
  • Reliance Value Services Pvt. Ltd.
  • Reliance Venture Asset Management Pvt. Ltd.
  • Phi Management Solutions Pvt. Ltd.
  • Adhar Property Consultancy Pvt. Ltd.
  • Gamesa Investment Management Pvt. Ltd.

ED: “Committed to Restituting Public Money”

The agency said it remains focused on pursuing large-scale financial offenders and ensuring recovery of “proceeds of crime”.

ED stated that further investigation is underway across all linked entities and individuals, including Anil Ambani, RCOM, RHFL, RCFL, and other group companies.

Also Read: ED Tightens Noose on Anil Ambani Group: Assets Worth ₹1,120 Crore Attached, Total Seizures Cross ₹10,117 Crore

The post ED Tightens Noose on Anil Ambani Group: Assets Worth ₹1,120 Crore Attached, Total Seizures Cross ₹10,117 Crore appeared first on Square Feat India.

The decision follows proposals submitted by the Deputy Municipal Commissioner (General Administration), Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) on October 10 and November 13, 2025. After reviewing the request, the State Government granted approval under Section 92(D)(D) of the Mumbai Municipal Corporation Act, 1888, which requires State sanction for long-term lease or freehold conversion of municipal land.

What the Approval Includes

1. Land Details

• Plot: CTS No. 12 (Part), F/North Ward, Sion
• Area: 7,658.33 sq.m.
• Type: Municipal land previously under leasehold category
• Converted to: Freehold
• Lessee: Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP)
• Lease Period: 30 years starting June 25, 2025

2. Financial Terms

• Annual Ground Rent: ₹10,186 at the prevailing ready reckoner rate
• One-time Premium:
  25% of the freehold valuation — ₹9,72,56,500 to be paid to BMC by the allottee.

3. Use Restrictions

The land is affected by certain reservations under the Development Control and Promotion Regulations (DCPR) 2034.
Therefore:

• Only medical and educational activities are permitted.
• BMC must verify land-use compliance before issuing final approvals.
• Commissioner, BMC, will be responsible for ensuring legal and planning compliance.

4. Administrative Provisions

• All payments must follow BMC’s updated schedule of rates.
• The order is digitally signed and published on the State Government website under Code 202512041914100825.

Why This Matters

The Sion ward—one of Mumbai’s most densely populated zones—faces severe pressure on public infrastructure. Opening up land for institutional use, especially medical and educational, is seen as a step toward bridging civic gaps.
At the same time, transfer of municipal land to private organisations often triggers debate regarding transparency and prioritisation of public need. Given the size and location of the plot, this decision is likely to draw political and civic scrutiny.

Also Read: Govt to Allow Conversion of Leasehold Land to Freehold at 25% Above Ready Reckoner Rate

The post State Allots VHP 1.89 Acres of Land in Sion for a Yearly Rent of ₹10,186 appeared first on Square Feat India.

A High-Speed Corridor Connecting Thane to Mumbai’s Eastern Suburbs

The elevated freeway will stretch from Anand Nagar in Thane to Chheda Nagar in Ghatkopar, passing through key nodes including:

• Mulund
• Airoli
• JVLR
• Vikhroli
• Kanjurmarg
• Mankhurd
• Ghatkopar

At Thane, the corridor will integrate seamlessly with the Anand Nagar–Saket Elevated Road near the old Mulund Octroi Naka, creating a continuous high-speed chain of connectivity.

It will also enhance onward access to the Samruddhi Mahamarg, strengthening links between Mumbai and Maharashtra’s emerging growth corridors.

Designed for Faster, Cleaner, Greener Commutes

The freeway extension is expected to:

• Decongest the Eastern Express Highway, one of Mumbai’s busiest arterial roads
• Reduce vehicular emissions by cutting travel time and idling
• Boost economic activity across the MMR (Mumbai Metropolitan Region)
• Improve commute reliability for lakhs of daily travellers

The MMRDA has also emphasized sustainable planning—saving 127 Pink Trumpet trees after realigning the Vikhroli–Ghatkopar portion. Additionally, 4,175 new trees will be planted as compensatory green cover.

Engineering Highlights: First-of-its-Kind Design in MMR

The project features advanced engineering systems, including:

2.5 m diameter monopiles
Robust piers and 40-metre spans
A 25-metre single-segment superstructure
Single-pile, single-pier system — the first for an elevated road in MMR
Up–down ramps near Mulund Check Naka, Airoli Junction, and Vikhroli Junction
3+3 lane elevated toll plaza near Navghar Flyover
Fully signal-free, uninterrupted high-speed movement

Progress Report: What’s Done and What’s Next?

As per the official update:

• Preliminary survey works are completed
• Test piles have been cast
• Geotechnical investigations are mostly finished
• Utility mapping is substantially complete
• Working piles and pier construction are currently underway

With construction progressing pillar-by-pillar, the elevated corridor is expected to reshape mobility patterns across the eastern corridor of Mumbai.

A Faster, Greener MMR Is Taking Shape

The Eastern Freeway Extension marks a major step towards creating a future-ready, sustainable, and well-connected Mumbai Metropolitan Region. As work advances, millions of commuters stand to benefit from drastically reduced travel times, smoother traffic flow, and improved air quality.

Also Read: Thane, Navi Mumbai, SBD North preferred Office locations

The post South Mumbai to Thane in Just 25 Minutes: MMRDA Begins Work on 13.9 km Elevated Eastern Freeway Extension appeared first on Square Feat India.