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Mar 08, 2025
Supreme Court Weighs in on Legal Battle Over Mumbai’s Dharavi Redevelopment Project
On March 7, 2025, the Supreme Court of India addressed the ongoing legal dispute concerning the redevelopment of Mumbai’s Dharavi slum. The case, SecLink Technologies Corporation vs. The State of Maharashtra, revolves around allegations of unfair exclusion from the bidding process for the ₹5,000 crore project.
Background
In 2019, SecLink Technologies, a Dubai-based consortium, secured the initial bid for the Dharavi redevelopment. However, in 2022, the Maharashtra government canceled this bid and awarded the contract to Adani Properties. SecLink challenged this decision, but the Bombay High Court upheld the state’s action. Undeterred, SecLink appealed to the Supreme Court.
Supreme Court Proceedings
On March 7, 2025, the Supreme Court issued notices to Adani Properties and the Maharashtra government, seeking their responses to SecLink’s allegations. The Court declined to stay the ongoing redevelopment project, allowing construction to proceed. However, it emphasised that the project’s validity is contingent upon the final outcome of the legal proceedings.
Current Status
Construction activities under Adani Properties have commenced, employing approximately 2,000 individuals. The project aims to transform the 240-hectare area, depicted in the film “Slumdog Millionaire,” into a modern urban space over a seven-year timeline.
Legal Considerations
The Supreme Court’s decision to proceed without a stay reflects a nuanced approach, balancing the need for urban development with the imperative to uphold legal fairness in public procurement processes. The forthcoming responses from Adani Properties and the Maharashtra government will be pivotal in shaping the project’s trajectory.
Conclusion
The Dharavi redevelopment saga underscores the complexities inherent in large-scale urban projects, especially when intertwined with legal disputes and allegations of procedural impropriety. As the Supreme Court delves deeper into the case, its forthcoming judgments will be crucial in deciding the project’s future and setting precedents for similar endeavours nationwide.
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