BMC Takes Action: E-Auction Notices Issued to 34 Property Tax Defaulters

Mumbai: The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has issued long-term e-auction notices to the owners of 34 properties, including vacant land, commercial buildings, hotels, and mixed-use premises, for failing to clear property tax dues. The civic body said the 34 defaulters collectively owe ₹548.69 crore in pending property taxes.

Of the 34 defaulters who received notices, the civic body chose to put up 11 properties for e-auction. However, a senior civic official said that, for now, only six properties have been put up for e-auction, because as soon as the process began, five other property defaulters cleared arrears of ₹10.45 crores and managed to stall auction action against them.

The six properties currently listed for e-auction include Jayant Oil Mill, which includes an oil mill and godown office at Mazgaon; a 1,193 sq.m land parcel in Sewri owned by Laxman Shetye and Gopal Shetye; and a property owned by Bhikhabhai Upadhyay consisting of a house, shops, and offices with a carpet area of 1,650.73 sq.m on Turner Road in Bandra. Also listed are a 1,053 sq m commercial property in Malad (East) owned by Bachoobhai Daschow & Co; Hotel Imperial Palace in Goregaon owned by Amir Parks and Amusements; and a 3,537 sq m residential plot in Dahisar (East) belonging to the Veekaylala Investment Group.

However, a representative from the Syedna’s office told HT that the properties do not belong to them. “We have nothing to do with these two properties listed in our names. These were sold off over five decades ago. However, the property card names were not changed and continue to bear our names. We have nothing to do with them,” said a representative from the Syedna’s office.

The BMC has been proactive in its efforts to recover pending taxes, which are crucial for the development and maintenance of the city. The e-auction process is a significant step in ensuring that the civic body can recover the funds owed by defaulters. The properties listed for auction are expected to generate significant revenue, which can be reinvested into public infrastructure and services.

The civic body has also warned other defaulters that similar actions will be taken if they do not clear their dues. This move is part of a broader strategy to ensure that property owners comply with their tax obligations, thereby contributing to the city's financial health and development.