Mumbai: The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has launched demolition action against alleged unauthorised constructions at Rustomjee Crown, a high-end residential project in Mumbai’s Prabhadevi area. The action has drawn widespread attention because the luxury complex is home to prominent politicians, bureaucrats, businesspeople and other affluent residents.
The controversy centres not on the main towers themselves, but on alleged alterations made inside individual apartments and the alleged enclosure of common areas. BMC has said the work under scrutiny violates sanctioned building plans, and demolition action has now begun in some flats.
What Is Rustomjee Crown?
Rustomjee Crown is a premium residential development built on the site of the former Crown Mill compound in Prabhadevi. The project comprises three high-rise towers and around 720 apartments, with three-, four- and five-bedroom residences.
Its location in one of Mumbai’s most expensive residential neighbourhoods has made it a sought-after address. Reports say the property is home to several high-profile residents and owners, adding to the public interest surrounding the BMC’s action.
Why Is BMC Taking Demolition Action?
The action follows complaints alleging that owners of several flats made unauthorised additions and alterations. The central allegation is that common areas near lifts and lobbies were enclosed and incorporated into private apartments.
According to reports, complaints also raised questions about the alleged amalgamation of flats, the enclosure of common spaces and the conversion of areas such as kitchen ducts and ventilation shafts into habitable spaces beyond what was approved in the sanctioned plans. BMC subsequently issued notices to a large number of flat owners.
How Many Flats Are Under Scrutiny?
The civic body had earlier issued notices concerning approximately 128 flats, while other reports mention 138 notices issued to owners in certain wings of the complex. The difference reflects the various stages and categories of notices and enforcement proceedings reported in the case.
On August 24, BMC began demolition action in selected flats, with reports initially saying that unauthorised work was being removed from four flats in one wing. Hindustan Times later reported that action had been carried out in eight flats and that the demolition drive was expected to continue against other identified units.
Complaint Triggered Civic Action
The issue was brought to the attention of civic authorities following a complaint by activist Santosh Daundkar. The complaint alleged that portions of common areas measuring roughly 450 to 500 square feet had been enclosed by individual flat owners.
Daundkar claimed that these alleged encroachments significantly increased the usable area of some apartments. The complaint also raised concerns over whether enforcement had been delayed despite earlier notices and alleged violations. These allegations remain part of the broader dispute being examined through civic enforcement processes.
Politicians and High-Profile Residents Under Spotlight
The case has attracted additional attention because some of the flats reportedly linked to political leaders and other influential individuals are among those facing scrutiny.
Media reports have mentioned flats connected with Maharashtra Cabinet Minister Sanjay Rathod and his wife, former minister Deepak Kesarkar, and Samadhan Sarvankar, the son of MLA Sada Sarvankar. Reports also say units belonging to bureaucrats and businesspeople are under scrutiny.
The inclusion of high-profile residents has intensified questions about whether building regulations are enforced equally, although the demolition action is based on alleged unauthorised construction rather than the identity of the occupants.
What Does Rustomjee Say?
Rustomjee has said that the construction was carried out in accordance with plans sanctioned and approved by the competent authorities and that the project complies with applicable norms and regulations. The developer has also said it has received the relevant Occupation Certificate and has been cooperating with authorities.
The company further stated that it has been engaging with members of the building and encouraging corrective measures wherever required by the civic body. This means the dispute involves alleged modifications and structures associated with individual units, while the developer maintains that the project’s approved construction itself followed sanctioned plans.
Why the Case Matters
The Rustomjee Crown demolition drive is significant because it involves one of Mumbai’s most expensive luxury residential developments and raises broader questions about the use of common spaces in high-rise buildings.
The case also highlights the distinction between a building receiving approvals and individual owners subsequently making modifications that authorities may consider unauthorised. As BMC continues its enforcement process, the matter is likely to remain under close scrutiny from residents, property buyers and civic authorities.
For now, the focus remains on whether the alleged alterations can be brought into compliance or must be removed. With more flats reportedly identified for action, the demolition drive at Rustomjee Crown could continue to make headlines in Mumbai’s high-stakes real estate landscape.
