SRA to Hand Over Flats to Five Sion-Koliwada Beneficiaries by August 31

The Slum Rehabilitation Authority (SRA) informed the Bombay High Court on Friday that it has allotted permanent alternative accommodation to five eligible persons across two projects in Sion-Koliwada, with possession of the flats scheduled to be handed over on August 31.

The development came after the high court on August 25 ordered that a contempt notice be issued to SRA Chief Executive Officer Mahendra Kalyankar and two other officers. Senior advocate Venkatesh Dhond, appearing for the SRA, told a bench of Justices Girish Kulkarni and Neela Gokhale that allotment letters were officially issued on Thursday.

Noting the development, the judges stated in their order that the move would put an end to the grievances of the petitioners. The high court then adjourned the matter to September 2, seeking formal replies to the contempt notice.

The dispute dates back to December 23, when the high court disposed of petitions related to delayed possession of permanent alternative accommodation. At that time, the court directed the petitioners to approach special grievance cells constituted by the SRA.

However, because the city cell remained non-functional, five individuals filed two fresh petitions in the high court on March 9. Across four subsequent hearings, the court was repeatedly assured that the complaints were being addressed. During the hearing on August 25, the court was informed that the cell had still not heard the grievances.

Expressing strong displeasure at the delay and broken assurances, the bench directed the issuance of contempt notices and imposed costs of Rs 50,000 in both petitions. During Friday's hearing, the bench clarified to advocate Shakil Ahmed, who represented the petitioners, that the SRA must pay Rs 50,000 to each petitioner.