Mumbai BMC Launches E-Auction of 12 Properties to Recover Unpaid Property Tax
The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has initiated e-auction proceedings for 12 properties, including vacant plots, a commercial building, and a mixed-use property, to recover outstanding property tax dues of Rs 378.63 crore. This move comes after repeated notices were served to the defaulters, who failed to clear their dues.
Each defaulter was given a 21-day notice to clear their outstanding dues. If the dues remain unpaid, their properties will be auctioned. The Tax Assessment and Collection Department of BMC announced this on Monday, emphasizing the seriousness of the situation.
The properties scheduled for auction are as follows:
- H-West Division : Five properties - three plots with dues of Rs 188.46 crore, Rs 10.04 crore, and Rs 2.14 crore; one mixed-use property with dues of Rs 9.76 crore; and a plot with dues of Rs 2.47 crore. - Andheri East : One commercial building with dues of Rs 47.03 crore. - R-South Division : One plot with dues of Rs 0.64 crore. - E Division, Reay Road : Three plots with dues of Rs 9.39 crore, Rs 4.15 crore, and Rs 85.38 crore. - Bandra West : One property with dues of Rs 12.64 crore. - Santa Cruz West : One plot with dues of Rs 6.49 crore.
Under the updated Mumbai Municipal Corporation Act, 1888 (Sections 203-206), properties of defaulters who fail to pay within the notice period will be attached and auctioned. Interim orders from the Bombay High Court also allow BMC to proceed with auctions if dues are not cleared.
Dr. Ashwini Joshi, Additional Municipal Commissioner (City), stated that the strict action against defaulters will continue. This move is part of a broader effort to ensure effective property tax collection under the guidance of Municipal Commissioner Bhushan Gagrani and Joint Commissioner (Tax Assessment & Collection) Vishwas Shankarwar.
The civic body's crackdown on large defaulters is being coordinated by Assistant Commissioner (Property) Gajanan Bellale to ensure planned and effective recovery of property taxes across the city.
In a related development, the Kalyan Dombivli Municipal Corporation (KDMC) has also stepped up enforcement against property tax defaulters. The corporation has sealed 236 properties and disconnected 39 water connections due to non-payment of property tax. KDMC has provided an online payment facility on its official website and has kept civic utility centres open on all weekends and public holidays until March 31, 2026. Taxpayers opting for online payment will be eligible for a 2 per cent rebate.
