The Supreme Court has refused to stay the ongoing construction of the Dharavi Redevelopment Project (DRP), dismissing an appeal by UAE-based Seclink Technologies Corporation, which challenged the Maharashtra government’s decision to award the project to Adani Properties Limited.
A bench led by Chief Justice of India Sanjiv Khanna and including Justice PV Sanjay Kumar ruled that the Bombay High Court’s decision favoring the Adani Group was justified. The court acknowledged that work had already begun, including the demolition of railway quarters, and saw no reason to intervene.
However, the Supreme Court directed that all financial transactions related to the project be conducted through a single escrow account. The court also issued notices to the Maharashtra government and Adani Properties and set the next hearing for May 25.
Seclink’s Challenge and Revised Offer
Seclink Technologies, which had originally bid ₹7,200 crore for the Dharavi project in 2019, claimed that the Maharashtra government unfairly scrapped its bid and issued a fresh tender in 2022, ultimately awarding the project to the Adani Group. The company informed the court that it was willing to increase its offer by 20% and was directed to submit an affidavit detailing its revised bid.
Government’s Justification for the Retendering
In December 2024, the Bombay High Court had upheld the Maharashtra government’s decision to cancel Seclink’s bid and initiate a fresh tender process. The government defended its move, citing economic changes between 2019 and 2022, including:
- The COVID-19 pandemic
- The Russia-Ukraine war
- Currency fluctuations
- Rising interest rates
Despite Seclink’s continued legal battle, the Adani Group’s Dharavi redevelopment plans remain on track, marking a significant milestone in Mumbai’s urban renewal efforts.
Sources By Agencies
