Accusation of ignoring the High Court order! Sarnaik calls for a report to establish officials' accountability.
City News Mumbai••45 views•3 min read
Approval of Illegal Construction Despite High Court Order? Minister Sarnaik Opens Protest in “Seven Eleven” Case
Seventeen Eleven and 63 other cases to be investigated
Saranik clamps down on builder‑official collusion! Monthly “complainant court” to be held
Mira Bhayandar (CT News Mumbai) – Despite the Bombay High Court’s stay order and clear directives, some construction projects were approved. Saranik questioned under what legal authority these approvals were issued and whether officials are truly above elected representatives.
The approvals for tribal land in Navghar and for eco‑sensitive zones will be scrutinised.
Minister Saranik directed a detailed investigation into the Letters of Intent (LOI) and construction approvals issued in tribal and private lands in Navghar, as well as in environmentally sensitive areas.
He ordered a comprehensive report naming the senior officials who allegedly violated court orders, detailing their personal responsibilities.
The alleged interference of MLA Narendra Mehta in the municipal planning department and the complaint by Asgar Ali Vora regarding the Seventeen Eleven company will also be investigated.
Despite the order of Civil Suit No. 481/2014, the basis on which the company was granted a Construction Certificate (CC) and the role of officials when it was later withdrawn are being fully examined.
Earlier, on 16 September, news confirmed that the Mira‑Bhayandar Municipal Corporation had revoked Seventeen Eleven’s construction permission on disputed land. Narendra Mehta denied any fraud in the land transaction and said the company decided to relinquish the land and surrender the construction permission to resolve the dispute.
Out of 63 cases, five were heard, and two alleged illegal approvals were immediately cancelled. In one case, the state government was asked to seek legal advice.
Further decisions on these cases are scheduled for 16 November.
Minister Saranik announced that a special “complainant court” will be held every month to address public grievances and investigate alleged corruption in the municipal planning department.
Under this scheme, five cases involving Seventeen Eleven will be reviewed each month. Saranik said that merely suspending junior staff will not absolve senior officials. If misuse of position or illegal activities are uncovered, criminal cases will be filed against the relevant senior officials.
“Is the MLA bigger or the High Court?” – Saranik questioned whether Mira‑Bhayandar is anyone’s private property. He stated that no leader or builder in the city is above the law. Despite the court’s stay order, the administration will investigate who was instructed to grant construction approvals.
He clarified that ordinary citizens cannot repeatedly seek court intervention. Therefore, a monthly complainant court will be organised to resolve administrative complaints and ensure action against responsible officials.
Saranik will continue to demand action in this matter until alleged irregularities are fully investigated and affected citizens receive justice.
The meeting, investigative directives, and actions described in the 24 September press note are based on claims from Saranik’s Public Relations Department. Independent verification of these claims is not available.