Maharashtra to Challenge Bombay HC Decision on Mira-Bhayandar Land

The Maharashtra State Government has announced its intention to contest a Bombay High Court ruling that awarded approximately 254.88 acres of land in Mira-Bhayandar to two private developers. Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule stated that the government will file a Special Leave Petition (SLP) in the Supreme Court to appeal this decision. The High Court’s verdict, announced on April 30, 2026, confirmed the land ownership of Estate Investment and Mira Real Estate Developers, a determination that the government did not anticipate.

The land in question has a complex ownership history, with unauthorized alterations made in the revenue records since 1948. Minister Bawankule’s office released a statement indicating that the names ‘Estate Investment Company’ and later ‘Mira Salt Works’ were incorrectly and illegally recorded. Additionally, the Central Government’s Salt Department was associated with the area in 1958 due to its use as salt pans. This long-standing dispute has seen several appeals, culminating in a decision by the Supreme Court that directed the matter to the Thane District Collector.

In 2002, the District Collector ruled against the claim by Mira Salt Company, deciding instead that the land should be formally owned by the state government. However, in 2019, a First Appeal was filed by the companies involved, along with the Salt Commissioner, which ultimately led to the High Court’s recent ruling. The High Court’s verdict addressed ownership based on merits, despite initially focusing on the maintainability of the appeals.

The implications of the Bombay High Court’s decision are significant, as it may result in the name of the private firm, Mira Real Estate Developers, remaining on what is ostensibly government land. Minister Bawankule has emphasized the state’s commitment to reclaiming its land and ensuring that such transfers do not occur through alterations in official records.

Minister Bawankule firmly asserted that the state’s position regarding land ownership would be vigorously defended in the Supreme Court. He remarked, “We will firmly crush all attempts to grab government land by tampering with revenue records.” This statement reflects the government’s determination to tackle what they perceive as unlawful transfers of state property to private entities.

Bawankule reiterated the importance of protecting public assets and expressed the government’s responsibility to uphold the rights of the citizens of Maharashtra. The Minister cited the Maharashtra Land Revenue Code, 1966, specifically Section 29(3)(c), which pertains to occupations of land and the rights of individuals who hold leases. This legal framework will guide the state in its appeal against the High Court’s decision.

With the impending legal proceedings, the Maharashtra government seeks to underscore its stance on land ownership issues, particularly in contexts where private interests may conflict with state authority. The outcome of the Supreme Court’s deliberation will be closely monitored, given its potential implications for land use in the region.