A bench of Justices Girish Kulkarni and Aarti Sathe passed the order observing that the authorities had failed to recognise the preferential right of the landowner to redevelop the slum on its own land before proceeding with acquisition under Section 14(1) of the Slum Act.

NESCO had challenged the 2016 state notification acquiring its properties measuring about 1,500 sq. metres on the ground that it violated its constitutional right to property under Article 300A.

The company contended that despite being the rightful owner, its proposal to redevelop the slum was ignored, while a society of slum dwellers and a developer (N. Rose Developer) pushed for acquisition without proper notice or hearing.

According to the petition, the authorities issued show-cause notices in 2009 and 2013 but never served them properly. The land was later declared a slum area and acquired by the state in 2016, following which compensation of only Rs 12 lakh was awarded.

During the hearing, senior advocate Aspi Chinoy, appearing for NESCO, cited recent Supreme Court rulings which upheld the principle that a private landowner has a preferential right to redevelop slum land before any acquisition can be undertaken.

In a significant turn, the proposed slum society, Shivshardha Co-operative Housing Society, filed an affidavit admitting that its earlier acquisition request was made under the influence of the developer and that it had now resolved to support NESCO in redeveloping the property.

Allowing the petition, the bench quashed the acquisition and strongly reminded state officials of their “responsibility before exercising the draconian powers under Section 14 (of the Slum Act),” cautioning that such powers must not be misused “at the behest of unscrupulous elements” or to discard the rights of private landowners.

Mumbai: The Enforcement Directorate’s investigation has revealed that YS Reddy, suspended deputy director in the town planning department of the Vasai-Virar civic body, collected bribes to the tune of Rs 51.77 crore and used the cash for a flamboyant lifestyle.

In its prosecution complaint, the central agency claimed that Reddy, in his own admission, has said that his monthly expenditure was of Rs 5 lakh, while he splurged around Rs 1 crore on festivals. This, the ED said, showed how illicit cash was used for luxury consumption.

It further claimed that Reddy routed illicit cash through friends and close family members. Vishal Damani, his close associate, handled large sums and bought expensive devices like iPhones renewed insurance with the money for Reddy, as per the probe.

Damani also delivered packages containing Rs 25 lakh to Rs 30 lakh at the behest of the accused, alleged the agency, adding that in a similar manner, Reddy’s other aides booked hotels, air tickets and spent money on legal affairs.

Damani, in his statement, said that the cash was also frequently used to supply wine and whisky to Reddy. The tainted funds were also used for buying foreign currencies as well as tickets for cricket matches and concerts for Reddy and his relatives, the ED said, quoting Damani.

The probe revealed that Reddy brazenly demanded vehicles for his sons. “This mode of integration translated illegal cash into tangible lifestyle assets while maintaining plausible deniability through third-party financing arrangements,” the ED said.

The agency claimed that large sums were also spent on renovating the household and office. To corroborate the accusation, the ED pointed out that an architect, Paramieet, renovated Reddy’s flat in Vasai. The total expenses came to Rs 45 lakh, which is disproportionate for a flat renovation, the ED argued.

Mumbai: In view of the growing demand for sand following the recent flood situation in the state, Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule has directed all Divisional Commissioners and District Collectors to complete the auction of sand ghats within the next fifteen days. The minister warned that strict action will be taken against officers who delay the process.

A review meeting on sand policy and sand ghat management was held under the chairmanship of Minister Bawankule at Mantralaya. Additional Chief Secretary Vikas Kharge was present, while Principal Secretary of the Environment Department Jayashree Bhoj, Divisional Commissioners, and District Collectors joined the meeting via video conference.

Minister Bawankule said, “There should be no shortage of sand anywhere in the state under any circumstances. The auction process must be completed promptly to provide relief to citizens. Strict measures should be taken to prevent illegal extraction and transportation of sand. District Collectors will be held accountable if sand theft occurs in their jurisdiction.”

He further instructed that the auction process for sand ghats approved by the Environment Department should be completed immediately. The Revenue and Environment Departments should work in coordination to simplify the permission process, he added. The minister also directed officials to inspect and update the data of sand reserves across the state.

During the meeting, Minister Bawankule instructed officials to ensure that financial aid reaches flood-affected farmers before Diwali. He also directed Divisional Commissioners to submit daily reports on the assistance being provided to the farmers.

The Revenue Minister also emphasized the need for utmost caution while issuing Kunbi caste certificates. He directed officials to thoroughly verify all documents and ensure that no incorrect or fraudulent certificates are issued.

Former MP Kirit Somaiya, who was present at the meeting, pointed out cases where ineligible persons were allegedly issued birth certificates illegally. He urged that such certificates be canceled and the concerned names be removed from Aadhaar records. Minister Bawankule assured that action in this regard will be initiated immediately after Diwali.