Supreme Court Upholds Bombay High Court's Decision on Dharavi Redevelopment Project

New Delhi (The Uttam Hindu): In a significant development, the Supreme Court has refused to stay the ongoing construction work for the Dharavi Redevelopment Project (DRP), upholding the Bombay High Court's decision in favor of the Adani Group. This move comes after UAE-based Seclink Technologies Corporation challenged the Maharashtra government's decision to award the project to Adani Properties Limited. The court's decision was influenced by the fact that work on the project had already commenced, including the demolition of some railway quarters. Chief Justice of India Sanjiv Khanna, leading a bench that included Justice PV Sanjay Kumar, orally remarked that the Bombay High Court's decision was justified, as the railway line would also be developed and incorporated into the project.

Seclink's Revised Bid: Seclink Technologies, which had originally bid Rs 7,200 crore for the Dharavi redevelopment, informed the Supreme Court that it was willing to increase its offer by 20 percent. The bench directed Seclink to submit an affidavit detailing its revised bid. In December 2024, the Bombay High Court upheld the Maharashtra government's decision to cancel Seclink's 2019 bid and issue a fresh tender in 2022, ultimately awarding the project to Adani Group. Seclink subsequently appealed to the Supreme Court, citing unfair treatment.The government justified its decision, citing changes in economic conditions between 2019 and 2022, including the COVID-19 pandemic, the Russia-Ukraine war, currency fluctuations, and rising interest rates.

Next Hearing Scheduled for May 25: The Supreme Court has issued notices to the Maharashtra government and Adani Properties and has scheduled the next hearing for May 25. In the meantime, the court has directed that all payments related to the project be made from a single escrow account.