MSHRC closes complaint on illegal Pydhonie building after BMC and MHADA take action
The Maharashtra State Human Rights Commission (MSHRC) has officially closed a case regarding the unauthorized reconstruction of a building at Ali Umer Street, located near the Pydhonie Police Station in Mumbai. The commission disposed of the complaint after noting that local municipal and housing authorities had already initiated legal action against the illegal construction.
The complaint was originally filed by resident Sarika Chaurasia. She alleged that Building No. 72 on Ali Umer Street was completely reconstructed without securing the mandatory Intimation of Disapproval (IOD) and Commencement Certificate (CC) from the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC). Additionally, the project lacked the required permissions from the Maharashtra Housing and Area Development Authority (MHADA).
According to the records of the MSHRC, the complainant highlighted a safety incident on September 5, 2024, when a grill fell from the fourth floor of the building. Following this collapse, contractor Shajid Qureshi allegedly demolished the entire existing structure. He then proceeded to reconstruct the building without obtaining any of the necessary statutory approvals from civic authorities.
Furthermore, Chaurasia's complaint raised concerns over financial irregularities, alleging that MLA development funds amounting to Rs 3.82 lakh were misused to carry out the unauthorized reconstruction work.
After receiving the complaint, the MSHRC sought formal replies from the concerned authorities. The BMC responded by informing the commission that its officials had conducted a physical inspection of the Ali Umer Street site. During the visit, civic officials confirmed that unauthorized repair work was actively in progress.
Consequently, the BMC issued a formal notice under Section 354-A of the Mumbai Municipal Corporation Act, 1888. This notice was served because the repairs were being executed without prior official permission from the BMC and without a valid no-objection certificate from MHADA. The civic body assured the commission that further legal action would be pursued in accordance with the law.
MHADA also took action, conducting its own site inspection. In an affidavit filed with the commission on April 15, 2026, MHADA stated that it had issued a formal stop-work notice to both the contractor and the NOC holder. The authority directed them to immediately produce all necessary permissions obtained from the BMC. MHADA also formally requested the BMC to take appropriate action against the unauthorized structure.
Considering the active steps taken by both the BMC and MHADA, the MSHRC observed that the complainant's grievance had been adequately addressed. The commission determined that because the respondent authorities had already initiated the necessary legal measures, no further intervention was required. The MSHRC then officially disposed of the complaint.
