Rustomjee Crown Flats Face BMC Action Over Unauthorised Alterations

Unauthorised alterations inside apartments at Rustomjee Crown in Prabhadevi have triggered demolition action by the BMC.

The civic body began removing structures on August 24 after proceedings against flat owners over changes allegedly made in violation of the project's approved building plans.

The central issue is the conversion of common and non-habitable areas into private residential space.

According to civic officials, portions of common lobbies had been enclosed using materials including glass, aluminium, wood and lightweight bricks.

These enclosed areas were then allegedly incorporated into individual apartments as habitable space.

The original complaint also raised allegations concerning alterations involving kitchen ducts, ventilation areas, amalgamation of flats and misuse of free-of-FSI spaces.

In some cases, the complaint alleged approximately 450–500 sq. ft. of common space had effectively been added to an apartment, thereby increasing usable carpet area beyond the sanctioned plan.

The issue dates back to November 2025, when RTI activist Santosh Daundkar submitted a complaint regarding alleged encroachments within the development.

The BMC subsequently issued notices to flat owners and, after following enforcement proceedings, commenced removal of the unauthorised structures. At least nine flats had faced removal action by August 25.

Importantly, the developer has said that the building itself was constructed according to sanctioned plans and received its Occupation Certificate approximately two years ago. Rustomjee Group has maintained that there were no violations on its part and that it has cooperated with the civic authorities.

For resale buyers, this distinction is particularly relevant. An apartment may be located inside a fully approved and occupied building while still containing later alterations that do not conform to sanctioned plans.

Sandeep Sadh’s Take:

“Resale buyers should never assume that every area physically forming part of a flat is legally sanctioned carpet area. Approved plans should be checked whenever substantial internal alterations or enclosed common spaces are involved.”