CEPI Takes Control of Rs 180 Crore South Mumbai Building
The Custodian of Enemy Property for India (CEPI) has taken control of a 17-storey building in South Mumbai, valued at over Rs 180 crore, after uncovering manipulation of documents by the builders.
CepiEnemy PropertyMaseera HeightsSouth MumbaiIllegal ConstructionReal Estate MumbaiJun 15, 2025
The land itself falls under the jurisdiction of CEPI, yet construction was permitted by the BMC. After a prolonged legal battle, CEPI has now taken control of the building’s management, issued notices on the premises, and begun proceedings to recover dues from the occupants. Sources in CEPI confirmed that the building was constructed illegally and is now under their control.
Documents related to Maseera Heights, accessed by Mumbai Mirror, reveal how paperwork was manipulated to obtain clearance for the construction of the 17-storey building on Mazgaon’s Belvedere Road. The documents indicate that the land, bearing CS No 88 of Mazgaon Division and measuring 240 square yards (200.67 square metres), is situated on Hussein Patel Marg. The site, which housed a dwelling known as Golandas House (Belvedere Hills), legally belonged to Raziya Abdul Rehman Abdul Latif, Rizwan Abdul Rahman Abdul Latif, Irfan Abdul Rahman, Ayyub Abdul Rahman, Anisa Abdul Latif Khan, Abdul Kadir Abdullah Khan, Rubina Rizwan Khan, and Samina Khan — all Pakistani nationals, as per revenue records.
According to the documents, a power of attorney was executed by these Pakistani nationals on January 16, 1996, in favour of Mohammed Yusuf Pawne, a resident of Mazgaon. This document, delegating various powers including applying for lease renewal and selling the land, was registered in Mumbai on January 31, 1996. However, during the sale deed registration in 2004, Pawne’s residential address was recorded as Dharavi before the sub-registrar. Further documents reveal that on July 2, 2004, Pawne executed another power of attorney in favour of Ajanta Construction Company. The BMC granted permissions in 2007 and the building was constructed in 2010-11.
In June 2016, CEPI wrote to Byculla police seeking information about the whereabouts of Pawne. In July, the police said it was unable to provide any details about Pawne, as Ajanta Construction either did not provide or was unable to provide such information. Sources have told Mirror that Pawne lives in the same building.
Further scrutiny of the documents reveals that the BMC granted amalgamation of the property in question — CS No 88 — with properties CS Nos 89 and 90 without any reference to CEPI, despite clear evidence that the property belongs to CEPI. A document addressed to the BMC’s deputy chief engineer (Building Proposal) on January 16, 2017, states, “The MCGM was under obligation to refer the matter to CEPI and ought to have invited comments or objections from CEPI before granting the amalgamation orders.”
The document further notes, “The failure to refer the matter to this office even at the stage of amalgamation orders has paved the way for further unauthorised constructions. Such irregularity strikes at the core of the vesting of rights and interests in the property, as the right and interest in one plot, ie, CS No 88, vested in the Custodian of Enemy Property for India, while the other two plots, CS Nos 89 and 90, are of a different character, with rights, title, and interest vested in private individuals.”
Due to ongoing exchanges of letters and allegations between the MCGM and CEPI, the BMC issued a notice to the building in September 2020. The notice alleged unauthorised construction on the 15th, 16th and 17th floors, as well as illegal development on the 8th floor’s refuge area. The sources, however, claimed that the entire building is illegal.
After persistent follow-up by CEPI, on April 20, 2024, the Ministry of Home Affairs issued a certificate declaring the property as enemy property, vesting it in CEPI under Section 12 of the Enemy Property Act, 1968.
BMC chief Bhushan Gagrani did not respond to messages.
In February this year, the Maseera Heights Cooperative Society wrote to the city collector raising objections after the name of CEPI was added to the property card and the name of Ajanta Construction Company was removed. In its letter, the society stated that 51 families live in the building and that the society was registered in 2013. The property is leasehold and belongs to the collector. The society strongly objected, claiming that CEPI’s name was added without giving it a hearing. It also noted that the documents were being verified to determine if the property qualifies as enemy property. Additionally, the society mentioned that it had appealed to the joint secretary of the Freedom Fighters and Rehabilitation Division, and the matter is currently pending before that office.
However, a few days back CEPI affixed a notice declaring that “under Sub-Rule (1G) of Rule 4, the Custodian of Enemy Property has taken control over the management of the aforesaid immovable enemy property and initiated action of recovery of arrears or dues recoverable from the occupier of the aforesaid immovable enemy property vested in custodians.”
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Custodian of Enemy Property for India (CEPI)?
CEPI is a central government entity established under the Enemy Property Act, 1968, responsible for managing properties declared as ‘enemy property’.
Why did CEPI take control of the 17-storey building in South Mumbai?
CEPI took control due to the manipulation of documents by the builders, who used a power of attorney from Pakistani nationals claiming to be legal heirs to the land.
What was the legal basis for CEPI’s action?
The Ministry of Home Affairs issued a certificate declaring the property as enemy property, vesting it in CEPI under Section 12 of the Enemy Property Act, 1968.
What are the implications for the occupants of Maseera Heights?
CEPI has initiated proceedings to recover dues from the occupants and has taken control of the building’s management.
What is the status of the Maseera Heights Cooperative Society's appeal?
The society has appealed to the joint secretary of the Freedom Fighters and Rehabilitation Division, and the matter is currently pending before that office.
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