Mumbai: HC Orders Action on Illegal Constructions at Mahim Beach
Mumbai, 13th June 2025: The Bombay High Court on Thursday directed the Mumbai Suburban District Collector to verify the legality of alleged illegal constructions on Mahim beach and take necessary action within four weeks, if found unlawful. The court emphasized that due process must be followed and all concerned parties must be granted a hearing before any action is initiated.
A division bench comprising Chief Justice Alok Aradhe and Justice Sandeep Marne passed the order while hearing a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed by environmentalist Stalin Dayanand. The PIL alleged that illegal structures have encroached upon the Coastal Regulation Zone-1 (CRZ-1) area of Mahim beach since 2021, along with unchecked garbage dumping.
Despite complaints submitted since June 2021, no substantial action was taken, the petition claimed. Advocate Mohammad M. Singh, representing the petitioner, stated that multiple complaints were transferred across departments, but no action followed. “RTI replies revealed inaction by authorities,” Singh said.
However, Additional Public Prosecutor Milind More informed the court that notices have already been issued and the matter is scheduled for hearing before the district collector on June 19. The court also noted that some individuals allegedly involved were not made party to the PIL and must be allowed to present their side.
Highlighting that the illegal structures obstruct public access to the beach, the petitioner argued that this violates the fundamental right to free movement. The PIL also pointed out that Mahim beach was marked as a protected CRZ area in the 2021 draft of the Maharashtra Coastal Zone Management Authority’s plan.
The court directed the collector’s office to decide the matter in accordance with the law and act against illegal constructions within four weeks, if violations are confirmed.
