BMC to E-Auction Six High-Value Properties Over ₹455 Crore in Unpaid Taxes

MUMBAI: The BMC has initiated e-auction proceedings against six high-value properties after their owners failed to clear property tax dues amounting to ₹455.48 crore, including penalties. Two other property holders have been served 21-day final notices, failing which their properties will also be put up for auction.

The action, taken on February 12 by the civic body’s Assessment and Collection Department, forms part of a special drive against large defaulters who have allegedly failed to pay dues despite repeated notices.

According to the BMC, attachment and distraint (seizure) proceedings were carried out against eight properties across the city. These include open plots, residential land, commercial and industrial premises, and a hotel.

The six properties for which public e-auction has been initiated are spread across multiple wards. They include a hotel in Goregaon West owned by Aamir Park & Amusement Pvt Ltd, with a reserve price of ₹268.16 crore; shops and offices in Bandra West owned by Bhikabhai and Upadhyay and M J Bhatt, with a reserve price of ₹51.42 crore; a residential plot in Dahisar owned by Vikalal Investment Company, valued at ₹34.81 crore; an open plot in Parel held by trustees Laxman Raghunath Shetye and Gopal Pundalik Shetye, valued at ₹34.14 crore; the oil mill, warehouse, and office of Jayant Oil Mill in Mazgaon, valued at ₹23.20 crore; and a commercial air-conditioned shed in Malad’s Kurar village owned by Bacchubhai Daschov & Co, with a reserve price of ₹9.23 crore.

The 21-day notice has been issued to properties in Fort owned by Taher Saifuddin comprising residential and commercial hospital premises with tax arrears of ₹21.03 crore, and commercial premises with dues of ₹13.47 crore, read a statement issued by the BMC. The BMC said auction proceedings would follow if the arrears were not cleared within the stipulated period.

The civic body has set a property tax collection target of ₹6,200 crore for 2025-26. Between April 1, 2025, and February 4, 2026, it has collected ₹5,426.81 crore. Officials said that a focused recovery drive was underway to maximize collections before the end of the financial year on March 31.

Under Section 203 of the Mumbai Municipal Corporation Act, 1888, attachment notices are issued to defaulters. If dues remain unpaid, the corporation can proceed under Sections 203 to 206 to first attach and auction movable assets within the property. As per an interim order of the Bombay High Court in Writ Petition No. 2592 of 2013, if the dues are not recovered through such measures, the property itself can be auctioned.

Civic officials said that enforcement of recovery provisions would continue across wards, including E, D, F South, H West, P North, P South, and R North, where the current properties are located.