Bombay high court says Mhada could use unclaimed Patra Chawl flats for public housing

Mumbai: Bombay High Court on Friday said it was quite clear that sufficient time was granted to all members of Goregaon Siddharth Nagar Sahakari Griha Nirman Sanstha Limited society to take possession, so, if the members do not come forward by April 30, 2026, the HC said it would permit MHADA to utilise such tenements for public housing purposes.The HC gave time to the society members to resolve all issues in the ongoing legal tussle over the Patra Chawl redevelopment.But when any such members subsequently intend to occupy flats, they can be granted possession after three months' notice, the HC division bench of Justices Girish Kulkarni and Aarti Sathe directed.The HC earlier flagged five issues, which it expected would be resolved, which included the term of the lease and its rent. The HC said rent cannot be waived. The land belongs to Mhada and is public land made available to the Society. Therefore, lease rent is payable by the Petitioners.The HC earlier observed that the rehabilitation buildings are complete and ready for occupation.