Mumbai: The BMC has asked Century Textiles & Industries Limited to vacate the six-acre land parcel in Lower Parel, before possession is transferred to the civic body. This land is home to 20 buildings, including shops and chawls, all of which will require proper rehabilitation.
In January 2025, the Supreme Court (SC) confirmed that the land in question belongs to the BMC, rejecting the proposal to transfer it to Century Textiles & Industries Limited. Following the ruling, officials from the estate department and G South ward conducted an on-site inspection to assess the current condition of the property.
The land currently accommodates a number of shops and chawls. According to state government directives, these tenants are eligible for housing, yet there remains uncertainty regarding whether the BMC will be responsible for providing such housing.
“There are approximately 800 tenants currently occupying the land. We have informed Century Textiles & Industries Ltd. to vacate the premises before the land is officially handed over to us. Additionally, we are exploring the possibility of constructing housing on the site, where these tenants could potentially become tenants of the BMC. However, a final decision will only be made once we receive a response from Century Textiles & Industries Ltd. regarding the vacating of the land. However, any final decision on this matter will be made once we receive a response from the company,” said a senior civic official.
According to the 2024-2025 Ready Reckoner rates, the estimated value of this land is approximately Rs660 crore. The land parcel in Lower Parel, covering approximately 30,550 sq mt, was leased to M/s Century Spinning and Manufacturing Limited (now Century Textiles & Industries Limited) for 28 years, starting from April 1, 1927, with the purpose of housing employees from the poorer class.
The mill built 476 rooms, 10 shops, and a chawl on this land. Once the 28-years lease expired, the lease rights over the property ceased, and ownership reverted to the municipal corporation.
However, instead of returning the land, M/s Century Mill filed a petition in the Bombay High Court (HC) to transfer the property to their name. The BMC filed a Special Leave Petition in the SC Court, challenging the HC’s decision.
