Bombay High Court Grants Permission to Challenge Dharavi Slum Redevelopment Project Awarded to Adani Group

Bombay High Court Allows Seclink Technology Corporation to Challenge Dharavi Slum Redevelopment Project Awarded to Adani Group

The Bombay High Court has granted permission to Dubai-based Seclink Technology Corporation (STC) to amend its pending plea and challenge the Maharashtra government's resolution to award the Dharavi slum redevelopment project to the Adani group. The court posted the matter for hearing on August 7, instructing STC to make the necessary amendments within a week.

In July, the Maharashtra government accepted the investment offer of Rs 5,069 crore made by Adani Properties Pvt Ltd for the redevelopment of the Dharavi slum. Adani Properties was appointed as the lead partner in the project. STC, through its counsel, expressed its intention to challenge this decision and may include the Adani group company as a party to the petition.

Last year, Adani Properties had won the bid for the Dharavi redevelopment project. STC approached the High Court against the government's resolution, claiming that its consortium was the rightful highest bidder in the original 2018 tender. They argued that the subsequent tender process in 2022 was conducted to exclude them from competition.

The State government defended the bidding process, stating that it was fair, transparent, and in the public interest. The Slum Rehabilitation Authority (SRA) explained that a new tender was issued in 2022 as a 45-acre plot of land was discovered, and Adani qualified for the bid. Seclink maintained that the earlier tender process was unlawfully cancelled to favor Adani.

The High Court had previously granted STC the liberty to approach the court if the State government took further steps in the matter. The court has now allowed STC to challenge the government's resolution and work order, paving the way for a legal battle over the Dharavi slum redevelopment project.

The case will continue to be heard, and the court has instructed STC to amend its petition and serve a copy to the other party. The State will have an opportunity to respond within one week after receiving the amended petition. The next hearing is scheduled for August 7, 2023.

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