Supreme Court Clears Path for Adani’s Dharavi Project, But Legal Battle Continues.......

The Supreme Court has allowed the Dharavi redevelopment project, led by the Adani Group, to proceed despite ongoing legal disputes. On March 7, 2025, the Court declined to halt the project, rejecting a plea from Dubai-based Seclink Technologies Corporation (STC), which had contested the awarding of the contract to Adani.

The Supreme Court, while refusing to stay the project's progress, has sought responses from both the Maharashtra government and Adani Properties Pvt Ltd regarding STC's allegations. The Court directed Adani to route all project-related payments through a single escrow account to ensure transparency. Additionally, STC expressed willingness to increase its original bid by 20%, bringing it to Rs.8,640 crore, and was asked to submit an affidavit detailing this revised offer.

In 2018, STC emerged as the highest bidder for the Dharavi redevelopment project with an offer of Rs.7,200 crore. However, the Maharashtra government later canceled this tender, citing various reasons, including the COVID-19 pandemic and global economic shifts. A fresh tender was issued in 2022, in which the Adani Group secured the project with a bid of Rs.5,069 crore. STC challenged this decision, alleging that the new tender process was designed to favor Adani. The Bombay High Court dismissed STC's plea in December 2024, stating that there was no arbitrariness or favoritism in awarding the contract to the Adani Group.

Despite the legal challenges, the Adani Group has commenced work on the Dharavi redevelopment. The company reports that construction activities are underway, with approximately 2,000 workers currently employed on-site.

The redevelopment aims to transform Dharavi, one of Asia's largest slums, into a modern urban area. While this promises improved living conditions, it also raises concerns among residents about displacement and the future of their livelihoods. Ensuring that the interests of Dharavi's inhabitants are protected remains a critical aspect of this massive urban renewal initiative.