BMC Demolishes Unauthorised Construction in Four Rustomjee Crown Flats in Prabhadevi

The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation has initiated the demolition of unauthorised construction carried out in violation of the sanctioned building plan across four flats in one wing of Rustomjee Crown, a high-rise residential complex in Prabhadevi.

The enforcement action follows a complaint lodged in November by activist Santosh Daundkar. The complaint cited alleged unauthorised construction, additions and alterations, amalgamation of flats, misuse of free-of-FSI areas, and the unauthorised conversion of habitable areas within the residential towers.

Following the complaint, the then additional commissioner Ashwini Joshi directed that action be taken regarding the alleged violations. The BMC's G-South ward subsequently issued 138 notices under Section 354A of the Mumbai Municipal Corporation Act and Section 53(1) of the Maharashtra Regional and Town Planning Act for unauthorised work allegedly carried out in the building.

In March, the civic body issued speaking orders to several flat owners concerning the unauthorised merging of common lobbies into habitable flat areas, as well as the integration of kitchen ducts and ventilation shaft space into living areas beyond what was approved in the BMC-sanctioned plan.

The residential complex comprises ground-plus-63 floors across wings A and B, featuring three-, four-, and five-BHK apartments ranging in size from 1,300 square feet to 3,072 square feet. The flat owners in the complex include a cabinet minister in the state government, sitting MLAs, and former MLAs.