Mumbai: BMC Demolishes Illegal Alterations at Rustomjee Crown in Prabhadevi
Mumbai, 26th August 2026: The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) on Monday carried out demolition action against unauthorised alterations and encroachments in eight flats at Rustomjee Crown, a luxury residential complex in Prabhadevi.
The civic action followed complaints that some residents had allegedly encroached upon common areas and converted them into private, habitable spaces. According to BMC officials, notices had earlier been issued to 128 flats in the complex over alleged unauthorised alterations.
Deputy Municipal Commissioner Prashant Sapkale said the demolition drive would continue for the next four days against flats where unauthorised modifications have been identified.
Activist flags alleged encroachments
The issue was brought to the attention of senior civic officials in November 2025 by civic activist Santosh Daundkar. In his complaint, Daundkar alleged that portions of common areas in the complex had been enclosed by individual flat owners.
He claimed that in Tower A, some residents had allegedly occupied common areas measuring around 450 to 500 square feet. Based on an estimated market value of ₹50,000 per square foot, he put the notional value of the allegedly encroached space at around ₹2.5 crore per flat.
Daundkar also questioned how a part Occupation Certificate for Tower B was granted in September 2024 despite allegations of unauthorised alterations in the complex.
BMC issued notices to 128 flats
Following the complaints, the BMC issued notices under relevant provisions of the Mumbai Municipal Corporation Act and the Maharashtra Regional and Town Planning Act.
One such notice concerned Flat 5201 on the 52nd floor of Tower A. The civic authorities alleged that the occupants had enclosed a common lobby using wooden partitions and made internal changes, including removing a common wall and a toilet.
The BMC subsequently stated in a speaking order dated March 25, 2026, that notices had been issued to 128 flats.
On August 19, the civic body also issued a notice requiring owners, occupants, society office-bearers and the developer to remain present during an inspection of the premises on August 24.
Activist calls for further investigation
Activist-advocate YP Singh welcomed the BMC’s demolition action but said the civic authorities should also examine how the building plans were approved and whether they allowed scope for encroachment into common areas.
He also called for scrutiny of environmental compliance, including requirements relating to gardens, mandatory open spaces and tree plantation.
Developer denies violations
Rustomjee Group Chairman and Managing Director Boman Irani said the project had been constructed according to plans sanctioned by the competent authorities and complied with applicable norms.
He said the project had received an Occupation Certificate and that there were no violations on the part of the developer. Irani added that the company had been cooperating with civic authorities and had provided the required information.
The BMC has indicated that further action will be taken in accordance with due process and applicable legal provisions.
The demolition drive is expected to continue over the coming days as civic officials inspect and act against unauthorised alterations identified at the luxury residential complex.
