Vision is to make Mumbai slum-free, says High Court; calls for strict implementation of Redevelopment Act

Bombay High Court emphasizes need for slum-free Mumbai, strict implementation of redevelopment Act, concerns over slum dwellers' plight.

The Bombay High Court on Friday (August 16, 2924) said the vision should be to make Mumbai a slum-free city and raised concerns about the plight of slum dwellers who become "victims at the hands of private developers."

A division Bench of Justices G. S. Kulkarni and Somasekhar Sunderesan emphasised the need for strict and robust implementation of the Maharashtra Slum Area (Improvement, Clearance and Redevelopment) Act.

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"Vision is to have Mumbai, which is considered an international city and the financial capital of our country, slum-free. We need to have an absolutely slum-free city. This Act will help that vision," the court said.

The Bench said the implementation of provisions of the Act lies with the government as the mandate lies with them. The Bench was set up last week to undertake a "performance audit" of the Act pursuant to the Supreme Court's directives in July. The apex court had raised concerns about the working of the Act.

The high court, on Friday, stressed the need for sustainable development. The Bench directed the government, Slum Rehabilitation Authority and other parties to file their affidavits and posted the matter for further hearing on September 20.

"Think about the future generation...this is what will happen in 100 years. Are there going to be only skyscrapers? Don't we need open spaces?" the court questioned.