Authority: High Court of Judicature at Bombay, Civil Appellate Jurisdiction

Order Date: 16 October 2026

Case Overview

  • Petitioners: Vikas Ramvilas Mundhada, Shekhar Ramvilas Mundhada, Major Ravindra Shankar Bhatnagar (Retd.), Ramanand Ganeshlalji Modani, represented by Dr. Ramdas P. Sabban and counsel.
  • Respondent: The State of Maharashtra, represented by the Principal Secretary, Urban Development Department, and the Municipal Corporation.
  • Contempt petitions filed: CP No. 512/2026 (Writ 11507/2024), CP No. 513/2026 (Writ 11507/2024), CP No. 541/2026 (Writ 8706/2025) with CP 540/2026 (Writ 8158/2025), and CP No. 542/2026 (Writ 8160/2025).
  • The petitions allege violation of the Court’s May 2025 directions ordering the State to consider the Pune Municipal Corporation’s proposal for acquisition of the property bearing Survey No. 55/1/B and to complete acquisition and compensation within one year of the order’s upload.
  • The Court reproduced its earlier order dated 07‑05‑2025, which directed the State to initiate acquisition proceedings and pay compensation preferably within one year.
  • Respondents filed reply affidavits; the Municipal Corporation disclosed that it deposited 30 % of the proposed compensation on 27‑03‑2026.
  • Further steps were delayed; a letter dated 21‑09‑2026 from the Deputy Superintendent of Land Records, Haveli, highlighted the need for spot inspection and measurement due to defects in existing records.
  • The Special Land Acquisition Officer (SLAO) was noted to have taken belated steps and promised expeditious further action.

Final Outcome

  • The Court disposed of all contempt petitions, directing that the acquisition of the subject lands and disbursement of full compensation be completed on or before 31 August 2027.
  • The SLAO is ordered to immediately lay down a detailed schedule for completion and communicate the same to the Municipal Corporation.
  • The SLAO must consider all relevant factors while determining the final quantum of compensation.

Topics: Land Acquisition, Court Contempt, Compensation