The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) on 24 August 2026 initiated the demolition of purported unauthorised modifications within apartments at Rustomjee Crown, a high-end residential development located in Prabhadevi. This action came about after complaints were lodged by RTI activist Santosh Daundkar regarding the alleged encroachment of common areas and unauthorised connections among flats.

Daundkar claims that some residents have reportedly integrated shared spaces of sizes between 450 and 800 square feet into their flats, which could potentially undermine the structural integrity of the building. He assessed the market value of these areas at between Rs 2.25 crore and Rs 2.50 crore, utilising current property market rates as a basis for his estimation.

The BMC executed demolition activities in three flats on the specified day, employing a workforce consisting of fifteen labourers alongside ten officials. The operation was conducted under police supervision to ensure safety and order while addressing the alleged violations.

Notices Issued Regarding Alleged Unauthorised Modifications

In March 2026, the BMC communicated to Daundkar that it had issued a total of 128 notices concerning the purported illicit works at the Rustomjee Crown complex. These notices were generated under the provisions of Section 354A of the Mumbai Municipal Corporation Act, as well as Section 53(1) of the Maharashtra Regional and Town Planning Act.

The civic authority has stated that subsequent actions will be undertaken in due compliance with legal procedures and in alignment with a ruling by the Supreme Court that was referenced in their correspondence to Daundkar. The BMC’s proactive measures reflect ongoing efforts to regulate compliance with urban planning regulations within the city.

Rustomjee Crown comprises two completed towers, labelled A and B, each soaring 63 floors high, while a third tower designated C remains under construction and is anticipated to reach a height of 65 floors. The luxury residential units range from three to five bedrooms and vary in size between 1,335 and 3,072 square feet, catering to a high-end market segment.

Profile of Residents and Stakeholders

Daundkar claims that the flats within Rustomjee Crown are occupied or owned by a mix of influential individuals, including politicians, business leaders, foreign consulate representatives, and senior executives from various corporations. This aspect raises questions regarding regulatory compliance, as such properties may fall under increased scrutiny due to their associated stakeholders.

In light of these allegations, the BMC’s ongoing enforcement actions illustrate the challenges associated with maintaining regulatory standards in luxury housing developments in Mumbai. The potential reverberations of this initiative may extend beyond the immediate actions taken against the residents involved, highlighting a wider effort to uphold the integrity of urban infrastructure.

Efforts to contact G-South ward officer Swapnaja Kshirsagar for further commentary on this enforcement action were unsuccessful, as multiple calls and messages have reportedly gone unanswered. This lack of response may point to the complexities involved in addressing the allegations and executing the associated regulatory measures.

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