MHADA Halts Matunga Mahavir Compound Project Over Tenant Flat Dispute
The Maharashtra Housing and Area Development Authority's Mumbai Building Repair and Reconstruction Board has issued a stop-work notice to the Mahavir Compound redevelopment project on Bhandarkar Road near Kabutar Khana in Matunga. The directive has halted work on the commercial section, prolonging the wait for approximately 95 shop owners seeking possession of their units.
The stop-work notice, issued on October 9, states that the developer failed to comply with an MBRRB order and the conditions of its No Objection Certificate. Specifically, the board cited the developer's failure to provide a rehabilitation tenement measuring 544.98 square feet in carpet area to tenant Pratibha Doshi, as well as unpaid rent penalties and interest owed to her. While the developer maintains that Doshi can take possession of an available ready flat that is smaller than 544 square feet, Doshi is demanding either the promised carpet area or market-rate compensation for the deficit.
The redevelopment began in 2016 and consists of two 22-storey residential rehabilitation wings known as Mahavir Ville CHS alongside a commercial structure. The residential section, comprising 164 units, was completed in 2023 and has received a partial occupation certificate. However, the commercial portion remains unfinished.
Dhirendra Thakkar, owner of Madhu book depot in Mahavir Compound, stated that shop owners have been waiting for their new premises since 2016–17. Thakkar alleged that the previous developer built commercial units below the residential towers in violation of the commencement certificate issued by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation, adding that the overall project cost is estimated near Rs 1,500 crore.
The project was originally undertaken by M/s Satra Property Developers before being transferred through a commercial transaction to M/s Firstwave Developers. A senior MHADA official explained that the stop-work notice was officially addressed to Satra Property Developers because the file regarding Firstwave's appointment as the new developer remains pending with the Chief Officer for final clearance. Further official notices will be served to Firstwave once the file is approved.
Pranav Mehta of Firstwave Developers stated that the firm is seeking revocation of the stop-work order to resume and complete construction. Mehta said the developer has submitted a revised proposal for a five-storey commercial building containing rehabilitated shops and saleable units, which is currently awaiting approval. Regarding Doshi, Mehta said her unit is located in the finished residential section and is ready for possession.
Local activist Chetan Trivedi urged authorities to withhold any further commencement certificates or Intimation of Disapproval until all irregularities are resolved, arguing that transit rent complaints should trigger a single warning followed by project halts and retendering if developers fail to comply.
