HC directs selection of developers on first-come-first serve basis

Mumbai, May 2 (UNI) The Bombay High Court today directed the Slum Rehabilitation Authority (SRA) to peruse and scrutinise applications for slum redevelopment projects by builders on first-come-first serve basis.

A division bench comprising Mr Justice H L Gokhale and Mr Justice Abhay Oka gave directions to consider all documents submitted by the first applicant (builder) and if he failed in providing the mandatory 70 per cent slum dwellers' support and the required documents, then it (SRA) should take up the next application.

The said directions were passed in reponse to a petition filed by Awadesh Tiwari, a resident of Malad slum, city survey No. 522, who had formed a co-operative society and wanted to develop a 15,600 sq m land, for which he had filed an application to the SRA in November, 2004.

Meanwhile, an application was filed by another builder in August, 2005, who claimed that he had 70 per cent members' support for redevelopment of a 27,402 sq m plot.

The SRA had cancelled MR Tiwari's application and alloted the project to the second builder.

Mr Tiwari, challenging the working pattern of the SRA, appealed to the High Court to provide some guidelines on how allotment should be made on builder's applications.

The court held that due to unhealthy competition between builders, it was not fair to adjudicate two applications for the same plot simultaneously. The court directed that if Mr Tiwari fails to meet all the requirements within four months, then the SRA can consider the application of the second builder, else continue with the plans submitted by him.

UNI XR-ARM MA GC2008