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Bombay HC Dismisses Koli Community's Plea
17 Mar
Summary
- Bombay HC dismissed petitions by Koli societies challenging redevelopment findings.
- The court cited the need for civil court proceedings for evidence assessment.
- A committee's report on land availability for Koli activities was challenged.
Bombay High Court has dismissed petitions filed by societies representing the Koli community in Danda Koliwada, Khar West. The petitions challenged a committee's finding that slum redevelopment would not adversely affect the community's traditional fishing activities.
Justices Makarand Karnik and Shriram Modak stated that the dispute involves a detailed fact-finding exercise requiring evidence, which is best resolved by a competent civil court, not under writ jurisdiction. The Koli societies had challenged the Slum Rehabilitation Authority's declaration of a portion of their land, used for drying fish, as a slum rehabilitation area, citing concerns about blocked ingress and egress.
A three-member committee, appointed by the High Court in December 2025, had reported that approximately 26,000sqm of vacant land was available for the Koli community's traditional businesses. However, the Koli societies challenged this report, raising arguments about buildable reservations on the disputed land.
The judges noted the dispute centers on demarcation and whether traditional rights are affected by redevelopment. Therefore, the High Court dismissed the writ petition, keeping all questions open for civil court resolution. A three-week stay on the order was granted, continuing the status quo from December 17, 2025.
