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.
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