Dharavi’s Urban Makeover Gains Legal Backing
Supreme Court Upholds Dharavi Redevelopment Project Amid Legal Battle: In a major boost to one of India’s most ambitious urban renewal projects, the Supreme Court of India has allowed the continuation of the Dharavi Redevelopment Project despite ongoing legal challenges. This project seeks to transform Dharavi—Asia’s largest slum—into a modern township, affecting the lives of over a million residents in the heart of Mumbai. The verdict supports the Maharashtra government’s controversial decision to award the project to the Adani Group in 2022, after cancelling a previous winning bid by Seclink Technology Corporation (STC).
Legal Storm Over Tender Process
The controversy began when STC, a Seychelles-based firm, challenged the decision to revoke its successful bid. STC accused the government of changing the tender conditions to favour Adani Properties, calling it an “abuse of power.” They claimed their financial offer of ₹7,200 crore—later raised to ₹8,640 crore—was clearly superior to Adani’s ₹5,069 crore bid. However, the state argued that Adani had agreed to additional conditions, including upfront payments to Indian Railways and stricter construction milestones, which STC did not.
Supreme Court’s Stand and Conditions
The case reached the Supreme Court, where a bench led by Chief Justice Sanjiv Khanna refused to stop the project. While acknowledging that the matter is still sub judice, the Court allowed construction to continue due to the project’s advanced stage. However, it placed key financial conditions—Adani must maintain separate accounts for all project-related expenses to ensure financial transparency. This indicates that although the Court is not halting the development, it remains cautious about the allegations of tender process irregularities.
What’s at Stake?
The Dharavi Redevelopment Project spans 259 hectares and aims to uplift the quality of life for residents with modern housing, sanitation, and infrastructure. If completed, it could become a model for urban rehabilitation across India. But the outcome of this legal battle will also set a precedent for how large-scale public contracts are awarded. With another hearing scheduled for May 25, the verdict may shape future policies on fairness and accountability in public-private partnerships.
STATIC GK SNAPSHOT
Supreme Court Upholds Dharavi Redevelopment Project Amid Legal Battle:
| Project Name | Dharavi Redevelopment Project |
| Location | Mumbai, Maharashtra |
| Total Area | 259 hectares |
| Current Developer | Adani Properties |
| Previous Bidder | Seclink Technology Corporation (STC) |
| Supreme Court Verdict | Allowed continuation with financial safeguards |
| Project Type | Urban Rehabilitation / Public-Private Partnership |
| Next Hearing Date | May 25, 2025 |
| Relevant Court | Supreme Court of India |
| Key Legal Concern | Tender fairness, abuse of power allegations |
