The protest will be led by S.M. Fanus, President of Real Voice Foundation, along with nearly 30 affected families, who have decided to stage a peaceful demonstration outside the SRA office in Bandra on March 24, 2026, at 10:00 AM.
According to the protesters, the demolition was carried out in violation of Government Resolutions dated May 16, 2015, and May 16, 2018. It is further alleged that no eligibility verification of residents was conducted, no hearing was granted, and no temporary or alternative rehabilitation arrangements were provided before carrying out the demolition.
As a result, around 30 families have been rendered homeless. The action, which took place during the holy month of Ramzan, has caused severe hardship, especially to women, children, and elderly residents.
The protesters have raised key demands, including immediate temporary shelter for all affected families, permanent rehabilitation under SRA for eligible residents, strict action against the officials responsible for the demolition, and adequate compensation for the losses suffered.
The protesters have clearly stated that they will continue their protest until their demands are fulfilled and have warned that the agitation may intensify if immediate action is not taken by the concerned authorities.
The protest is being organized under the banner of Real Voice Foundation, highlighting growing public anger against the actions of SRA and Competent Authority–2.
S.M. Fanus
President, Real Voice Foundation
Mumbai, March 12, 2026: In a controversial and allegedly illegal demolition drive carried out on March 11, 2026, hundreds of slum dwellers in the Maharashtra Nagar area of Bandra (East) have been rendered homeless. The action, conducted by the Slum Rehabilitation Authority (SRA) and local administration, has sparked outrage among residents and activists who claim the demolition violates multiple government resolutions and basic legal principles.
The affected cluster, located near Kalimata Mandir on Bharat Nagar Road (Cluster ID H/East-104), comprises families who have been living in the area for decades. According to S.M. Fanus, President of the Real Voice Foundation and the voice leading the affected residents’ struggle, most residents possess documents predating both January 1, 2000, and January 1, 2011—making them eligible for rehabilitation under Government Resolutions (GRs) dated May 16, 2015, and May 16, 2018.
Despite this, authorities proceeded with the demolition without following due process.
“This is not just illegal; it is inhuman,” said an emotional S.M. Fanos while speaking to the media. “The SRA issued a 3(2) notice, our residents submitted their replies, but no hearing was conducted. No speaking order was issued. They directly demolished our homes during the holy month of Ramadan, leaving people—including TB patients, elderly, and children—on the streets without any transit accommodation.”
The demolition has resulted in the destruction of personal belongings, essential documents, medicines, and food grains. The local Kalimata Mandir and a community gym run by the Real Voice Foundation were also razed.
Legal Violations Cited:
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Maharashtra Slum Act 1971: Violation of Section 3(2) by not conducting a hearing or issuing a speaking order.
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GR May 16, 2015 & GR May 16, 2018: Eligibility verification process was completely ignored.
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Principles of Natural Justice: Residents were denied the right to be heard.
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No Rehabilitation Provided: No alternative or transit accommodation was arranged.
Demands of the Affected:
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Immediate suspension and inquiry against responsible SRA officials.
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Immediate provision of transit accommodation.
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Permanent rehabilitation under the applicable GRs.
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Compensation for loss of property and essential items.
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Legal action against those responsible for the illegal demolition.
Local MLA Varun Sardesai and Ambernath MLA Balaji Kinikar have been urged to intervene. The residents, led by the Real Voice Foundation, have vowed to continue their struggle until justice is served and their fundamental right to housing is recognized.
MUMBAI: (Mar 4) The Maharashtra government is striving to promote bamboo cultivation across the state, highlighting its potential to generate rural employment, preserve traditional artisan skills, and reduce reliance on plastic, Forest Minister Ganesh Naik said on Wednesday.
The minister said government procurement rates for bamboo products will be considered to stabilise markets and encourage production.
Replying during a discussion in the legislative assembly, Naik said bamboo can now be cultivated in Konkan, Western Maharashtra, Vidarbha, Marathwada and Khandesh in the north-western part of the state
BHOPAL: (Mar 4) Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan will celebrate his 67th birthday on Thursday as ‘prem-seva sankalp diwas’ ‘, as part of which he will launch coaching classes and mobile hospitals at various places in the state.
Chouhan is popular among his followers as ‘mama’ or maternal uncle, and the coaching classes and hospitals to be launched on his birthday will have this sobriquet in their names.
The former Madhya Pradesh chief minister will take five pledges centred on environment, service, assistance, education and talent promotion, a statement issued by his office said.
KOLKATA: (Mar 4) A political row broke out on Wednesday after senior BJP leader Sukanta Majumdar alleged that West Bengal minister Manas Bhuniya made objectionable remarks towards professors and students during a freshers’ welcome event at a college in Paschim Medinipur district.
In a post on X, Majumdar, who is also the Union minister of state for education, claimed that Bhuniya reprimanded students and faculty in an objectionable manner at the recent freshers’ programme at Sabang Sajanikanta Mahavidyalaya in his constituency. Bhuniya is also the president of the college’s governing body.
Majumdar, a former BJP state president, also shared a purported video clip showing the minister admonishing students and others.
An eco friendly Green Holi celebration was organised at Rajawadi Garden in Ghatkopar, promoting natural colours and water conservation. Mumbai Mayor Ritu Tawade attended the event, where residents celebrated Holi of Flowers in the presence of MLA Parag Shah, highlighting sustainability and community participation.
An eco friendly Holi celebration brought colour and cheer to Rajawadi Garden in Ghatkopar, as residents gathered to mark what was described as a Green Holi in the heart of nature. Mumbai Mayor Ritu Tawade was present at the event and shared glimpses of the initiative on social media.
The celebration moved away from the usual chemical colours and water intensive festivities, choosing instead a more sustainable approach.
Holi Of Flowers And Natural Colours
Organisers encouraged participants to bid farewell to synthetic colours and embrace a Holi of Flowers. The garden came alive with fragrant petals and the use of only natural colours, creating a vibrant yet environmentally conscious atmosphere.
Children, senior citizens and families joined in, celebrating without the fear of skin irritation or excessive water usage. The emphasis remained firmly on protecting the environment while preserving the festive spirit.
MLA Parag Shah Attends Event
MLA Parag Shah attended the programme as the chief guest, adding to the enthusiasm of the gathering. His presence was warmly acknowledged by attendees, who said such initiatives help spread awareness about responsible celebrations.
Holi greetings were extended to all present, with organisers expressing hope that more neighbourhoods would adopt similar eco friendly practices. The event stood as a reminder that tradition and sustainability can go hand in hand, offering joy without harming the environment.
By Harinder Mishra
JERUSALEM: (Mar 3) Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Tuesday said that Israel and the US struck Iran because Tehran had restarted its nuclear programme and it would have gone “immune within months.”
Netanyahu told Fox News early Tuesday that an attack against Iran was urgently needed because Tehran was building new underground sites to shield its missile and nuclear programmes from attacks.
“They started building new sites, new places, underground bunkers that would make their ballistic missile programme and their atomic bomb programme immune within months. If no action was taken now, no action could be taken in the future,” he said.
MUMBAI: (Feb 25) A committee with an official of the Additional Chief Secretary rank from the Urban Development Department will probe the alleged housing fraud in Navi Mumbai, minister Uday Samant announced in the legislative council on Wednesday.The inquiry will examine claims of bypassing norms to construct affordable houses, he said.
The Industries Minister has been authorised to respond to questions and calling attention motions in the state legislature’s Budget session on behalf of Deputy Chief Minister and Urban Development Minister Eknath Shinde.
PATNA: (Feb 25) Of the 14,699 children reported missing in Bihar last year, 7,772 have been traced, while efforts are ongoing to locate the remaining ones, officials said.
The statement of the police came after multiple posts related to alleged child-lifting incidents surfaced on social media.
“A total of 14,699 children were reported missing in Bihar in 2025. Of these, 7,772 have been traced, and efforts are ongoing to find the remaining 6,927 children,” the statement said.
SRINAGAR: (Feb 25) Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Wednesday laid foundations for infrastructure and river conservation projects worth over Rs 190 crore in Srinagar and Budgam districts.
Spanning five constituencies, the projects focus on urban beautification, pollution abatement in the Jhelum river, and advanced sewage treatment infrastructure for Doodh Ganga, reflecting the government’s commitment to improving civic amenities, enhancing climate resilience and restoring water bodies, an official spokesman said.
In Srinagar, the chief minister laid the foundation stone for construction of Bab-ul-Sultan-ul-Arifeen, a city gateway featuring artistic calligraphy, at Rainawari Chowk. To be built at a cost of Rs 1.3 crore, the project aims to enhance the aesthetic and cultural identity of the historic locality, the spokesman said.
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