Forging Madh island maps: HC expresses displeasure over probe, asks Addl Collector, BMC Asst Commissioner to remain present

The petitioners had alleged that the majority of the maps had been manipulated to get reprieve of exemptions under the Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) norms and to show the structures were constructed prior to 1964 and attempts were made to legalise them.

Earlier this year, the HC had sought effective investigation from SIT and had questioned if the peons arrested in the case were so “powerful” and if the senior officers in city survey department and other authorities “turned blind eye” to their acts.

In October 2024, the HC had pulled up the police for showing “lethargy” in the investigation and had constituted the SIT.

On Thursday, advocate Abhinandan Vagyani for petitioners submitted that despite SIT having been constituted, no steps were taken by police authorities to find out whether Census certificates for the structures were forged or not. Vagyani added that despite statements of some of the persons were recorded way back in April, 2025 showing payments made to the agents, who in turn made payments to BMC officials, no probe has been done by the police in that regard.

The HC noted that “one year has elapsed (since September, 2024 order) and till date the police have not received any information from the Additional Collector (Encroachment/Removal), Western Suburb, Mumbai.” It added that only information received was a letter of September 16, which did not throw light whether Census certificates were forged or not.

” In view of the aforesaid, we deem it appropriate to direct the respondent Additional Collector (Encroachments), Western Suburb, Mumbai, to remain present before us on September 26, 2025.” The court also added that senior responsible officer of the rank of Assistant Commissioner (P/North Ward), Mumbai, to also remain present and respond to the petitioners’ claims.