Mumbai: Supreme Court Recalls Wilful Disobedience Observation, Salary Restraint Order Against BMC Commissioner Ashwini Bhide

Mumbai, November 4, 2026: The Supreme Court has recently rescinded certain observations and directives in its order against the Mumbai Municipal Commissioner, Ashwini Bhide. The court's three-judge bench, consisting of Chief Justice Joymalya Bagchi and Justice V. Mohana, had earlier noted wilful disobedience, issued a show-cause notice, and restrained the disbursement of the Commissioner's monthly salary.

However, in a significant turn of events, the bench has now decided to recall paragraphs 1 to 3 of its November 3rd order.

Appearing on behalf of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation, senior advocate R. P. Bhatt argued that the civic body had complied with the court's directions issued on November 13, 2025, and July 28, 2026. Bhatt's submission led to the bench's decision to withdraw these paragraphs, acknowledging that the administration's steps had addressed the issue of non-compliance.

The court, however, refrained from making a final assessment on the matter, stating that it was not expressing any opinion at this stage regarding the extent of compliance.

In response to the bench's decision, Municipal Commissioner Ashwini Bhide has been directed to file a personal affidavit. This affidavit is expected to detail the measures taken by the Commissioner's office to ensure compliance before the next hearing. The remaining directions, encompassed in paragraphs 5 and 6 of the November 3rd order, have been left undisturbed, pending further developments.