Maharashtra SRA to Hear Private Landowners Before Declaring Slum Areas.

New rules grant landowners 30 days to object and an opportunity for a personal hearing.   The Slum Rehabilitation Authority (SRA) in Maharashtra will now notify private landowners and invite objections before declaring their properties as slum areas under Section 3C of the Maharashtra Slum Areas Act. Under the new notification, landowners will receive written notices and have 30 days to submit objections or suggestions. They will also be allowed to present their concerns at a personal hearing before the SRA Chief Executive Officer. The SRA will also issue a public notice to ensure transparency. The decision follows judicial scrutiny, including directions from the Bombay High Court concerning the declaration of privately owned land as slum areas. The Supreme Court has also upheld a judgment recognising landlords’ preferential rights in redevelopment. According to SRA CEO Mahindra Kalyankar, the change aims to uphold natural justice, fairness and transparency. Officials said the revised process removes the earlier deemed provision for certain lands occupied by slums, giving private owners a greater opportunity to participate in rehabilitation planning and raise concerns before a declaration is issued.