Bombay High Court Orders VVCMC to Clarify Rehabilitation Plans for Families Affected by Demolition in Nalasopara

Mumbai, February 15, 2025 – The Bombay High Court has given the Vasai Virar City Municipal Corporation (VVCMC) three weeks to clarify its stance on the rehabilitation of residents displaced by the demolition of 41 illegal buildings in Agarwal Nagar, Nalasopara East. The buildings are being demolished as part of the civic body’s enforcement of the law against unauthorized constructions.

A division bench comprising Chief Justice Alok Aradhe and Justice Bharati Dangre passed the order after hearing a public interest litigation (PIL) filed by advocate Chetan Bhoir. The PIL highlights the Supreme Court's directive for the VVCMC to explore rehabilitation options for the families affected by the demolitions.

The 41 buildings were constructed without planning permission on lands reserved for a sewage treatment plant and a dumping ground. The High Court had initially passed an order on July 8, 2024, to demolish the structures, deeming them incapable of regularization. This order was upheld by the Supreme Court on October 1, 2024.

The petitioner’s counsel, Vijay Kurle, argued that the demolition of the illegal structures should not proceed without addressing the issue of rehabilitation, as outlined by the Constitution Bench of the Supreme Court in the Olga Tellis case. The Supreme Court had granted liberty to the affected residents to approach the state government and VVCMC to explore the possibility of providing them with a commensurate rehabilitation scheme. The Court had also emphasized that the feasibility of rehabilitation should be considered independently of the demolition action.

The High Court bench agreed with the petitioner’s arguments and directed the VVCMC to take a stand on the rehabilitation of the displaced families. In its ruling, the court stated that the authorities are legally obligated to consider rehabilitation for those affected by the demolitions. The VVCMC has been asked to submit its position within three weeks.

This development comes as tensions rise over the demolition of the illegal buildings, with thousands of residents facing uncertainty about their future. The court’s decision will play a crucial role in determining how the displaced families will be supported moving forward.