The order, delivered on February 9, 2026, by Justices G. S. Kulkarni and Aarti Sathe in Writ Petition (L) No. 936 of 2026, describes a “murky” and “dubious” situation involving the suppression of key communications, issuance of allegedly illegal permissions, and a “systematic design” to deprive the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC/MCGM) of reserved land for its Worli WWTF expansion.

The petitioner, Worli Urban Development Project LLP (formerly known as Lokhandwala DB Realty LLP), is undertaking a large-scale slum rehabilitation scheme in Worli on municipal land (C.S. No. 17/47 pt, G/S Ward, off Dr. E. Moses Road). The project involves redeveloping several slum societies (Jeejamata/Jivanjyot, Shree Vivekanand Nagar, Veer Jeejamata Nagar, and Mata Ramabai Nagar CHS) into a planned township with rehabilitation and sale components.

However, a contiguous portion of this land — originally around 27,698 sq m (later apparently reduced to ~17,756 sq m) — is reserved in the Development Plan specifically for the expansion of the existing Worli STP, a vital sewage treatment facility facing acute space shortages amid ongoing upgrades.

BMC’s Repeated Warnings Ignored Senior BMC officials, including the Chief Engineer (Development Plan), raised alarms as early as December 26, 2024, informing the SRA that the developer was demolishing boundary walls and commencing piling/construction (including transit camps) on the reserved STP land. Follow-up letters on June 27, 2025, reiterated demands for demarcation and immediate handover to prevent encroachment on this public asset.

These communications were received by SRA’s Deputy Chief Engineer Rama Mitkar and Executive Engineer D. B. Patil, yet the court found they were systematically suppressed — never disclosed in correspondence with the developer, nor acted upon. Instead, on April 11, 2025, Patil granted approval for seven multi-storey transit camp buildings (temporary structures to house slum dwellers during redevelopment), even incorporating Condition 17 that implicitly permitted construction on the reserved portion (restricting only the last 25% of saleable area until demolition).

One transit building (No. 1) was completed and occupied by slum dwellers; construction on No. 2 had begun — creating a fait accompli that could render the STP expansion impossible for years, as transit camps often persist long-term.

Court’s Prima Facie Findings: Collusion and Systemic Rot The bench formed a “clear impression” of connivance between the SRA officers and the developer to favor private interests over public infrastructure. Key observations include:

• Suppression of BMC objections to enable “illegal” construction.
• Issuance of permissions in deliberate disregard of the reserved status.
• A “systematic design” to defeat the public reservation by inducting slum dwellers and building permanent-like structures.
• Serious doubts about the officers’ discharge of public duty, with the conduct described as “not innocuous” and potentially warranting suspension.

The court noted an FIR already registered (lodged by one of the implicated officers, possibly as damage control), and directed the SRA CEO to take over from Mitkar and Patil, consider their suspension pending inquiry (within one week), and allow unhindered police investigation.

All further transit camp construction was immediately halted, with the developer directed to demolish partly built structures and vacate the occupied building expeditiously (90 days sought; court emphasized urgency). Affidavits are required from the State, BMC, and SRA on the legality of reducing the reservation area without following Section 37 of the MRTP Act.

Shahid Balwa’s Link to the Project Public records and company filings confirm Shahid Usman Balwa (DIN 00016839), Vice Chairman and Managing Director of Valor Estate Ltd (formerly DB Realty Ltd), is a designated partner in Worli Urban Development Project LLP since January 18, 2020. The LLP was originally formed as Lokhandwala DB Realty LLP for this joint venture involving DB Realty/Valor Estate, Lokhandwala Infrastructure, and later Prestige Group. Balwa has publicly spoken about the project as a mixed-use development (mall, residential, hotel) spanning ~4 million sq ft.

The Deeper Rot Exposed This case exemplifies the entrenched malaise in Mumbai’s development ecosystem: powerful developers allegedly leveraging regulatory loopholes, colluding with public officials to override reservations for essential infrastructure like sewage treatment — in a city already crippled by flooding, pollution, and sanitation failures. The court’s strong language highlights how vital public projects are subordinated to private gains, with suppressed records, ignored objections, and questionable permissions creating irreversible damage. If unchecked, such practices threaten Mumbai’s livability and public health for millions.

The matter is adjourned to February 23, 2026, with the interim order underscoring that protecting public infrastructure must prevail over unchecked slum rehab ambitions.

Also Read: Shahid Balwa In Uddhav Govt’s Crucial Committee.

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The announcement, made during CREDAI-MCHI’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) on Wednesday, created a buzz in Mumbai’s real-estate circles — both because of the strategic importance of the role and Balwa’s high-profile past.

Balwa’s Role: Clearing Hurdles Between Developers and BMC

The task force is expected to act as a bridge between developers and civic officials, ensuring faster clearances, smoother approvals, and fewer procedural delays.

Every construction file in Mumbai passes through the BMC — from building approvals and FSI clearances to premium payments under the Development Control and Promotion Regulations (DCPR). The newly formed task force aims to streamline these interactions, resolve bottlenecks, and bring more transparency and predictability to the approval process.

Developers often flag premium charges, approval delays, and interpretation of development rules as pain points. CREDAI-MCHI hopes this structured coordination mechanism will improve communication and efficiency for the entire sector.

Acquitted in 2G Spectrum Case

Balwa’s appointment drew attention due to his earlier involvement in the 2G spectrum allocation case, one of India’s most widely reported corporate investigations. However, it’s important to note that Balwa was acquitted in the case.

His return to a leadership position within the developer community marks a new chapter — one that focuses on bridging industry-government relations in Mumbai’s ever-complex real-estate ecosystem.

‘Gangster — But a Good One,’ Says Balwa

During an on-stage interaction at the AGM, Balwa was asked what mistake he would avoid if he could go back 20 years. He replied candidly:

“On January 4, 2008, while celebrating my birthday, I received a call from someone in Delhi to come and sign documents related to telecom. I would have not done that, instead given time to myself.”

When asked what he would be if not a real-estate developer, Balwa quipped:

“Gangster — a good gangster though.”

The comments drew laughter from the audience but also underscored his journey from controversy to comeback.

CREDAI-MCHI’s Objective: Transparency and Coordination

According to CREDAI-MCHI, the task force will focus on facilitating dialogue between the developer community and BMC to ensure clarity on regulatory policies, simplify approval systems, and help maintain project timelines.

With Mumbai’s construction industry contributing significantly to employment and GDP, the initiative is being viewed as a constructive step toward better governance and cooperation.

Also Read: Shahid Balwa In Uddhav Govt’s Crucial Committee.

The post Shahid Balwa of DB Realty Named Convener of CREDAI-MCHI Task Force to Smooth Developer-BMC Relations appeared first on Square Feat India.

By Varun Singh

How long can you wait for the agreement to be registered of a flat you purchased in 2009?

This homebuyer had to wait till 2020. Heard it right homebuyer Sanju Singh purchased a flat in DB Ozone, Mira Road in the year 2009.

The homebuyer was issued an allotment letter dated October 7, 2009 by Neelkamal Realtors Suburban Pvt Ltd.

The home buyer approached MahaRERA seeking directions to the builder to execute the registered agreement for sale.

The homebuyer complained that in year 2009 he booked the flat for a total consideration of Rs 34.68 lakh post which he was issued an allotment letter.

The homebuyer argues that though he had paid substantial amount, ti he developer hadn’t registered the agreement for sale with him.

He further claimed that the builder was asking him to pay additional money towards high infra cost which was not mentioned in the allotment letter.

The builder informed MahaRERA that he was ready and willing to help secure the agreement or sale with the homebuyer.

The builder states that he had sent several reminders to the complainant for execution of agreement but he failed and neglected the same.

The builder in regards to the increase in cost the builder mentioned clauses of the allotment letter that stated that the complainant agreed to pay any other incidental charges, taxes, or service and VAT as may be applicable now or in future.

The developed claimed that due to substantial rise in process of construction raw material in the year 2014-15, it has increased the construction cost.

The builder also noticed to MahaRERA that in an earlier order the authority had directed that the builder would be entitled to recover the outstanding dues including the development and infrastructure charges from complainant.

Dr Vijay Satbir Singh, Member 1, MahaRERA considered the homebuyer as an allottee in the project, who has purchased the flat and paid substantial amount which is more than 10% of the total cost of the flat.

“However, till date the registered agreement for sale has not been executed, nor possession has been given since last 10 years,” noted Singh in his order dated November 26, 2020.

Singh in his order further stated that the builder has not disputed the payment made by the homebuyer and is willing to execute the agreement for sale subject to payment of outstanding dues as per the allotment letter.

MahaRERA finally directed the developers to execute the registered agreement for sale with teh homebuyer within 30 days period.

MahaRERA while disposing the case, also directed that the developer shall be entitled to recover the outstanding dues, including the development and infrastructure charges in accordance with the allotment letter.

Also Read: Lottery Process Of 5647 MHADA Homes Begins Today

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By Varun Singh

Shahid Balwa and Vinod Goenka, are now part of the Uddhav Thackeray Government’s steering committee for Real Estate.

The committee was appointed on Monday post a meeting between developers body NAREDCO, CREDAI-MCHI, bureaucrats and even top ministers of the state government.

The committee includes Urban Development Minister Eknath Shinde, Housing Minister Jitendra Awhad, Transport minister Anil Parab, Chief Secretary of the state, bureaucrats from Urban development, Revenue and other departments.

From the developers side, NAREDCO president Niranjan Hiranandani, CREDAI-MCHI president Nayan Shah, Shahid Balwa, Vinod Goenka and others are included.

According to reports, Shahid Balwa and Vinod Goenka were accused of quid pro quo in the 2G spectrum scam that took place in the tenure of United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government between 2009 and 2014. A Delhi court acquitted both of them in the case in 2018.

A report also says that, Vinod Goenka is son of KM Goenka, a family friend of NCP chief Sharad Pawar, for more than 35 years.

The inclusion of Balwa and Goenka has caused a stir in the political circles of Maharashtra.

Rajesh Prajapati, a noted developer from Navi Mumbai who was present during the meeting with Uddhav Thackeray post which the steering committee was announced said, “We had a series of demand, including reduction of 50% stamp duty.”

Prajapati said that during the meeting at the state guest house, a steering committee for quick response to matters concerning the real estate sector was formed, with developers, bureaucrats and ministers.

Also Read: Property Worth Rs 40 Crore of Nirmal Lifestyle In Mulund To Be Auctioned To Repay Home Buyers.

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