Bombay High Court Orders Removal of Stalls for Mumbai Metro Line 2-B Construction

The Bombay High Court has issued an order for the removal of roadside stalls that are obstructing the construction of Mumbai Metro Line 2-B. Justice Jitendra Jain emphasized that public infrastructure projects cannot be hindered by a few private individuals, ensuring the progress of essential development works.

The order was passed while hearing interim applications filed by N. Taranath Shetty, the original plaintiff and appellant in connected first appeals against the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC). Shetty had approached the court after the seven-day deadline mentioned in the civic notice expired. The notice, issued by the Assistant Engineer of the Corporation in November 2025, directed the applicant to shift his stall for the construction of the metro station.

During the hearing, the BMC informed the court that 27 alternative locations had been offered to the applicant for the relocation of the stall. However, the applicant rejected the proposed sites, stating that none were commercially suitable or convenient. The High Court acknowledged the livelihood concerns of the applicants but emphasized that the larger public interest must prevail over individual inconvenience.

The court directed the removal of the stall within 10 days and permitted the Corporation to take necessary action, including police assistance, if the structure was not vacated voluntarily. The court further stated that in the event of non-compliance, the Corporation would be free to demolish the stall, take possession of the site, and hand it over for Metro Line 2-B construction works.

The applicant later informed the court that the stall would be voluntarily vacated before the deadline fixed by the court. This decision underscores the balance the judiciary aims to strike between individual rights and the broader public interest in critical infrastructure projects.

Mumbai Metro Line 2-B is a crucial part of the city's public transportation network, aimed at easing traffic congestion and improving connectivity. The project is expected to benefit millions of residents and commuters, making it a priority for the city's development agenda. The removal of obstacles such as roadside stalls is essential to ensure the timely completion of the project and the realization of its benefits for the public.

The Bombay High Court's decision reflects a commitment to balancing the needs of individual stakeholders with the broader objectives of urban development and public welfare. It sets a precedent for future cases where public infrastructure projects may face similar challenges.