High Court to Hear State’s Reply Today on Dy CM Shinde’s Power to Halt Vashi Demolitions
Published 20 Sep 2025, 12:28 PM IST
The court has asked the government to show the law that allows the Deputy CM to stop the NMMC from demolishing illegal buildings.
Key Points
- What: The Bombay High Court is questioning the legal authority of Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde to stop the demolition of two buildings in Vashi. The court has asked, “By what authority?” was this done.
- When: A critical hearing is happening today, Saturday, September 20, 2025. The government must provide its answer to the court.
- Who: The case involves the Bombay High Court, Deputy CM Eknath Shinde, the Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC), and the Navi Mumbai-based NGO, Conscious Citizen Forum, which filed the case.
- Where: The issue is about two buildings, the Naivedya and Albela housing societies, in Sector 9, Vashi.
What it means for Navi Mumbai
This court case is very important for every resident of Navi Mumbai. For a long time, many people have felt that powerful politicians interfere with the work of the NMMC, especially when it comes to illegal constructions.
The High Court’s direct question to the Deputy CM’s office is a significant step. If the court decides that politicians cannot simply stop legal actions like demolitions, it will give more power to the NMMC to do its job properly. It also shows that citizen groups, like the Conscious Citizen Forum, can hold even the highest levels of government accountable. The decision today could change how illegal construction is dealt with across our city.
The Full Story: Explained
The story began in March 2025. The Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC) gave demolition notices to two buildings in Vashi’s Sector 9, the 14-storey Naivedya society and the 7-storey D-wing of the Albela society. The NMMC said that parts of these buildings were built illegally, without proper permissions. The notices were issued under Section 53(1A) of the Maharashtra Regional & Town Planning (MRTP) Act, which gives the city corporation the power to remove illegal structures.
However, on March 13, the building societies appealed to Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde. On the very same day, the Deputy CM’s office issued a stay, effectively pausing the NMMC’s demolition plan.
This intervention was challenged in the Bombay High Court by the Conscious Citizen Forum, a local NGO.
During a hearing this past Wednesday, September 17, the court, led by Justices Ravindra V. Ghuge and Ashwin D. Bhobe, asked the state government’s lawyer a very direct question: show us the specific law or rule that gives the Deputy Chief Minister the power to interfere with the NMMC’s legal process.
The petitioner’s lawyer also alleged in court that a local political leader associated with the Deputy CM’s party is connected with one of the buildings.
What Happens Today?
The court gave the government until today, September 20, to provide a clear answer. The main question before the court is simple: Can a minister stop a legal action that a city corporation is supposed to take according to the law?
The government’s response today will be watched very closely. It will determine the fate of the two Vashi buildings and could set a powerful new rule for governance in Navi Mumbai and all of Maharashtra.
