In Brief
This landmark case concerns a 23,018-square-metre slum in Mumbai where over 800 residents formed a cooperative society and own the land. After appointing Susme Builders as developer in 1985, the scheme languished for over 30 years with minimal progress. When DCR regulations were amended in 1997 requiring 70% resident agreements, disputes arose. In 2009, the Society switched to J.G. Developers, which promised larger flats. The Court held neither developer qualified: Susme caused inexplicable delay and lacked 70% agreements; J.G. used misrepresentation. The Supreme Court directed a fresh transparent tender inviting reputed developers, requiring 2-year rehabilitation completion, Rs. 200 crore guarantee, and adequate compensation to slum dwellers as land owners.
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