Mumbai: BMC Demolition Drive At Rustomjee Crown In Prabhadevi Continues; 9 Unauthorised Alterations Removed

Mumbai, August 25, 2026: The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) intensified its demolition drive against unauthorized alterations at the Rustomjee Crown luxury residential complex in Prabhadevi on Tuesday. This marks the second consecutive day of the operation, following similar actions on Monday. The high-rise building, spanning three basements and 63 floors, has been under scrutiny for several infractions, including the encroachment of common lobbies into habitable areas and violations related to Floor Space Index (FSI) norms.

BMC officials have issued 138 notices to the building's owner/occupier over the past six months, urging compliance with the rules and regulations. The demolition action commenced following multiple notifications under Section 53(1) of the MRTP Act, providing the owner sufficient time to present their perspective and comply with Supreme Court guidelines. Despite these efforts, it was discovered that nine unauthorized constructions and alterations were not rectified by the deadline.

Among the removed infractions are a common lobby constructed using unauthorized materials and merged into the habitable area of the flat, a kitchen duct element encroached upon with M.S. plates, and portions of ventilation shafts and powder rooms incorporated into the flat area. The developer, Rustomjee Group, has vehemently denied any violations, asserting that the construction adhered to approved plans and sanctioned guidelines.

They have cooperated fully with the authorities, providing all requested details and information. In a statement, the developer emphasized their commitment to addressing any necessary corrective measures and encouraging building residents to comply with the regulations.

Activist Santosh Daundkar has filed a complaint against the authorities, alleging a lack of scrutiny towards the violations reported to them. Daundkar has called for an investigation by the Economic Offences Wing (EOW) and the Enforcement Directorate (ED) into the financial transactions associated with the Rustomjee Crown project, suggesting potential involvement of unaccounted or non-transparent financial dealings.

The luxury project, situated on land originally designated for mill workers, is valued at substantial amounts, prompting suspicions of financial irregularities on a significant scale.