BMC Demolishes Unauthorised Alterations at Rustomjee Crown

The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation has begun demolition action against unauthorised alterations inside flats at Rustomjee Crown, the luxury residential development in Prabhadevi.

The civic action follows complaints and subsequent inspections concerning alterations that allegedly violated the building's sanctioned plans.

Why did the demolition happen?

According to civic officials, common lobby and other free-of-FSI spaces had allegedly been enclosed and incorporated into individual apartments, effectively converting common areas into private habitable space.

The alterations included structures made using glass, aluminium, wood and lightweight bricks. Authorities also identified violations involving kitchen spaces, ducts and ventilation areas in some flats.

An RTI activist's complaint alleged that approximately 450–500 sq. ft. of common space had been enclosed in some apartments, increasing their usable carpet area beyond what was sanctioned.

The complaint was filed in November 2025 and prompted the BMC's G-South ward to initiate proceedings. Civic authorities subsequently issued notices under the Mumbai Municipal Corporation Act and Maharashtra Regional and Town Planning Act.

In March 2026, speaking orders were issued in some cases concerning the alleged merging of lobby areas into flats. The BMC then began physical removal of the unauthorised structures on August 24.

By August 25, unauthorised alterations in at least nine flats had been removed as the enforcement drive continued.

Rustomjee Group, however, has maintained that the project itself was constructed according to plans sanctioned under the applicable Development Control Regulations and received its Occupation Certificate around two years ago. The developer said there were no violations on its part and that it has been cooperating with authorities and residents on corrective measures.

For Mumbai homebuyers, the case highlights an important distinction between a building having an Occupation Certificate and subsequent alterations carried out within individual apartments.

Sandeep Sadh’s Take:

“An OC does not mean owners can subsequently absorb common areas or alter sanctioned spaces. Buyers should always verify that modifications inside a resale property are reflected in approved plans before completing a transaction.”