Supreme Court Upholds Public Purpose of Slum Rehabilitation Projects
The Supreme Court recently ruled that slum rehabilitation projects serve a public purpose and are not mere real estate ventures, emphasizing the need for timely completion and accountability.
Slum RehabilitationPublic PurposeReal Estate VenturesSupreme Court Of IndiaMaharashtra Slum Areas ActReal EstateJul 31, 2024
The primary issue was the inordinate delay of over 16 years in completing the slum rehabilitation project. The court examined the limited scope of judicial review under Article 226 of the Constitution against the decision of the statutory authority, the Apex Grievance Redressal Committee (AGRC). The court also scrutinized the responsibilities and accountability of both the developer and the Slum Rehabilitation Authority (SRA) in ensuring timely project completion.
The Supreme Court upheld the termination of Yash Developers' agreement by the AGRC, citing the developer's failure to complete the project within the stipulated time. The judgment, delivered by Justice Pamidighantam Sri Narasimha and Justice Aravind Kumar, emphasized the public purpose of slum rehabilitation projects and the statutory duty of the SRA to ensure timely completion.
The court underscored that slum rehabilitation projects serve a public purpose and are not mere real estate ventures. 'Execution of the project under the Slum Rehabilitation Scheme cannot be viewed as a real estate development project. There is a public purpose involved,' the court noted. The court also held that the SRA has a statutory duty to ensure that slum rehabilitation projects are completed within the prescribed time.
The court found that Yash Developers lacked the financial and technical capacity to complete the project, as evidenced by their reliance on third-party financial agreements. The Supreme Court dismissed the appeal by Yash Developers and imposed costs of Rs. 1,00,000, payable to the Supreme Court Mediation and Conciliation Project Committee. The court also called for a performance audit of the Maharashtra Slum Areas (Improvement, Clearance and Redevelopment) Act, 1971, to address systemic issues in the implementation of slum rehabilitation projects.
The Maharashtra Slum Areas (Improvement, Clearance and Redevelopment) Act, 1971, aims to improve the living conditions of slum dwellers by providing them with alternative housing and rehabilitating them.The Supreme Court of India is the highest judicial authority in India, responsible for interpreting the Constitution and upholding the rule of law.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the primary issue in the case of Yash Developers v. Harihar Krupa Co-operative Housing Society Limited & Ors.?
The primary issue was the inordinate delay of over 16 years in completing the slum rehabilitation project.
What is the purpose of slum rehabilitation projects according to the Supreme Court?
According to the Supreme Court, slum rehabilitation projects serve a public purpose and are not mere real estate ventures.
What is the statutory duty of the Slum Rehabilitation Authority (SRA) in ensuring timely project completion?
The SRA has a statutory duty to ensure that slum rehabilitation projects are completed within the prescribed time.
What was the outcome of the appeal by Yash Developers in the Supreme Court?
The Supreme Court dismissed the appeal by Yash Developers and imposed costs of Rs. 1,00,000, payable to the Supreme Court Mediation and Conciliation Project Committee.
What else did the Supreme Court call for in its judgment?
The Supreme Court called for a performance audit of the Maharashtra Slum Areas (Improvement, Clearance and Redevelopment) Act, 1971, to address systemic issues in the implementation of slum rehabilitation projects.
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