### Quick Summary
– Mumbai Slum rehabilitation Authority (SRA) informed the Bombay High Court that houses allotted under the slum scheme are not exempt from property tax.
– Advocate Jagdish Reddy represented SRA and clarified that tax exemptions do not apply too these homes.
– The court refused to entertain a petition filed by Durga Devi Ekta SRA Cooperative Housing Society, which sought relief from Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation’s (BMC) property tax demands.
– Residents have been living in these homes since 2013; however, BMC was directed to pause tax collection efforts for four weeks, allowing residents time for further legal recourse.
– Justices Girish Kulkarni and Arif Doctor stated that BMC’s assessment of property taxes is valid unless state policy offers exemptions for houses under this scheme.
– The court advised petitioners to explore remedies within the Mumbai Municipal Corporation Act instead of disputing the partial Occupancy Certificate (OC) received by their building.
– Final judgment stated residents must pay property taxes starting from the date possession of homes was granted.
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### Indian Opinion Analysis
This ruling clarifies key regulations surrounding properties allocated under Maharashtra’s Slum Rehabilitation Scheme. By reinforcing compliance with existing property taxation laws, the Bombay high Court has set a precedent for fair taxation and consumer responsibility.While it empathizes with potential financial burdens on rehabilitation beneficiaries, insisting on payment aligns with civic norms tied to housing ownership.
Legal options under municipal law remain available for disputing taxation issues or requesting further clarification on partial occupancy certificates. Though, this decision underscores that transitional housing schemes must operate within established frameworks without exceptions unless explicitly defined by state policies.
this growth could impact low-income groups availing rehabilitation plans while urging openness from developers regarding post-possession liabilities like taxes. Additionally, administrative clarity at multiple levels-municipality and developers-is essential in ensuring smooth transitions during urban development efforts.
[Read More](https://navbharattimes.indiatimes.com/metro/mumbai/development/maharashtra-slum-scheme-houses-not-exempted-from-property-tax-sra-told-to-bombay-high-court/articleshow/122035940.cms)