Mumbai's Willingdon Society Residents Face Rs 35 Crore Penalty for Irregular Construction
Residents of the Willingdon View Cooperative Housing Society in Tardeo, Mumbai, have been ordered to pay a substantial penalty of Rs 35 crore to the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) to regularize their building. This move underscores the civic administration's commitment to enforcing planning norms and addressing irregular construction.
Mumbai Real EstateWillingdon SocietyBmc PenaltyRegulatory ComplianceHighrise ConstructionReal Estate MumbaiSep 06, 2025
The amount, confirmed by civic officials, includes Rs 31 crore towards regularisation charges for excess Floor Space Index (FSI) usage, along with a further Rs 4 crore earmarked for the purchase of additional parking facilities. Once the penalty is paid, the building will be eligible for an Occupancy Certificate (OC), a statutory clearance it has lacked since construction was completed in 2008. The case came to light after disputes revealed that the tower’s top 17 floors were occupied without an OC or a fire safety certificate. Subsequent litigation exposed lapses in approvals and compliance, leaving families vulnerable to eviction. Court orders have since compelled several residents to vacate their homes, underscoring the serious implications of bypassing regulatory safeguards in high-rise construction.
According to the BMC’s building proposals department, nearly 2,500 square metres of unauthorised built-up area must be regularised. Civic officials stressed that while penalties may appear severe, they reflect both the cost of condoning violations and the urgent need to restore compliance with safety and structural norms. The building also falls short of key requirements, including the provision of two staircases for evacuation, which will require an additional premium payment before concessions are granted. Officials reiterated that unless the penalty is settled, the OC will not be issued. Civic leadership has backed the decision, citing the need to ensure fire safety, structural adequacy, and adherence to the Development Control and Promotion Regulations (DCPR 2034). The penalty structure was revised recently to strengthen deterrents against premature occupation of incomplete or unsafe buildings.
For the 62 families across the 34-storey tower, the financial burden is steep, averaging nearly Rs 50 lakh per household. Residents, while expressing dismay at the magnitude of the charges, argue that the demand for additional parking facilities is excessive and misaligned with actual needs. However, urban planning experts counter that the imposition of premiums reflects not only usage of unauthorised FSI but also the need to mitigate risks in densely packed neighbourhoods. The development has once again placed Mumbai’s real estate practices under scrutiny, with urbanists calling for stricter oversight and more transparent approvals to prevent similar disputes. While residents continue to negotiate with the civic body, the episode underlines the delicate balance between housing demand, urban regulation, and the pressing need for sustainable, safe high-rise living in India’s financial capital.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are the residents of Willingdon View Cooperative Housing Society being penalized?
The residents are being penalized for unauthorized construction and occupancy of the building without necessary approvals, including an Occupancy Certificate (OC) and fire safety certificate.
How much is the total penalty, and what does it cover?
The total penalty is Rs 35 crore, which includes Rs 31 crore for excess Floor Space Index (FSI) usage and Rs 4 crore for additional parking facilities.
What is the significance of the Occupancy Certificate (OC)?
The Occupancy Certificate (OC) is a statutory clearance required for a building to be legally occupied. Without it, the building is considered unsafe and non-compliant with building regulations.
What are the key requirements that the building must meet to obtain the OC?
The building must meet requirements such as having two staircases for evacuation, addressing unauthorised built-up area, and ensuring fire safety and structural adequacy.
What is the impact of this penalty on the residents of the building?
The penalty imposes a significant financial burden on the 62 families, averaging nearly Rs 50 lakh per household. It also highlights the importance of regulatory compliance in high-rise construction.
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