Mumbai: At 72, Arvind Budhkar along with 23 others is still fighting to reclaim the home he vacated over a decade ago, as part of a long-delayed redevelopment project in Tilak Nagar. Budhkar is one of the 24 members of Shankar Chhaya Co-operative Housing Society, where the chairman of the society has now written a strongly worded letter to the developer, Shruti Raj Enterprise, demanding immediate possession of their flats, overdue rent, and clarity on construction timelines.
The letter, addressed to the developer’s managing director Chinnaiah E. Gowda, slams the firm for failing to meet the latest ultimatum of March 31, 2025, to complete the sixth floor and hand over possession with the occupation certificate (OC). “There is no progress on the site to start construction work yet,” the members stated.
The residents pointed out that under the society’s development agreement dated October 23, 2007, and its supplementary documents, the 15-floor building should have been completed within three years of vacating their flats. Nearly 17 years later, only 11 floors have been completed, with no construction activity seen in the past two years.
“Many of us are still living in rented accommodations across Maharashtra. A few members have already passed away waiting for their promised flats,” the letter said. It also mentioned that each member is now owed approximately Rs 20 lakh in pending rent, brokerage, transportation costs, and corpus fund.
The residents also warned the developer that the RERA deadline for the project expires on December 25, 2025, and categorically stated they will not extend the agreement any further. They have demanded a written commitment or bond detailing the revised timeline for construction, rent arrears, and possession with OC.
Budhkar’s personal battle is emblematic of the broader suffering. In 2010, he vacated his 325 sq ft flat with the promise of receiving a new 550 sq ft flat and monthly rent in return. But that promise remains unfulfilled.
After years of delays, Budhkar approached the Maharashtra State Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission, which ruled in his favour and directed the developer to hand over the flat, pay compensation for the delay, and clear all dues.
However, the developer challenged the ruling before the National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission (NCDRC), where the case has remained pending for the last three years.
