Patra Chawl Row Escalates: Residents Continue Hunger Strike as Bombay High Court Sets Deadline

Mumbai: Tensions have escalated in Patra Chawl, as residents continue their indefinite hunger strike against the MHADA, refusing to accept newly allotted rehabilitation flats they claim are unsafe and incomplete.

The situation has reached a critical point after the Bombay High Court set an April 2 deadline for residents to take possession of the flats, warning that failure to comply could result in the homes being reassigned for public use.

Residents Raise Safety Concerns

Several families, including women, senior citizens, and youth, have rejected possession of the flats, alleging poor construction quality, incomplete work, and lack of proper agreements. Protesters have launched a chain hunger strike, demanding safe and legally compliant housing before moving in.

Residents argue that after waiting nearly two decades for redevelopment, they are now being pressured into accepting substandard homes, raising serious concerns about their safety and future.

Court’s Strong Stand

A bench of the Bombay High Court criticised the housing society for delays in executing the Permanent Alternate Accommodation Agreement (PAAA). The court stated that if residents fail to accept possession by the deadline, the flats may be reallocated for public purposes.

Additionally, the court permitted MHADA to stop paying transit rent to residents from April 1, further intensifying pressure on those holding out.

Voices from the Ground

Residents have expressed deep frustration over prolonged delays and alleged irregularities in the project. Many claim that despite being stakeholders in the redevelopment process, they are now being sidelined.

Some residents allege that delays in agreement registration and the construction of unauthorised commercial units have worsened the situation. Others have raised concerns about financial irregularities and loss of trust after years of waiting for their rightful homes.

Legal Battle Likely to Continue

Residents have indicated plans to approach higher judicial authorities, including the Supreme Court of India, seeking justice and protection of their housing rights.

Conclusion

The ongoing standoff highlights the complex challenges in large-scale redevelopment projects in Mumbai. As the deadline looms, the conflict between residents and authorities underscores the urgent need for transparency, safety assurance, and fair rehabilitation in urban housing initiatives.