Mumbai, India: The Bombay High Court has warned that upper floors of a 19-storey residential building in Colaba may be demolished if the Indian Navy’s national security concerns are upheld.
The court was hearing a petition filed by the Commanding Officer of INS Shikra, a naval air station located in South Mumbai. The petition alleges that the high-rise, Jadhavji Mansion, poses a security threat due to its proximity to the sensitive defense installation.
A division bench comprising Justice Ravindra Ghuge and Justice Abhay Ahuja stated that if the Navy’s objections are found valid, any construction above 53.03 meters (approximately 15 floors) would be ordered demolished. The court also issued a strong caution to both the developer and potential buyers, stating that any further construction or investment would be at their own risk.
Navy Raises Security Concerns
The Indian Navy argued that the building was constructed without mandatory defense clearance. According to naval authorities, any construction near defense bases after 2011 requires a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the Navy — which was not obtained in this case.
The Navy told the court that the height of the building enables potential surveillance of sensitive naval operations, including VVIP helicopter movements, using modern technology. It added that while structures up to 53.5 meters are generally acceptable in sensitive zones, prior approval remains compulsory.
Court Questions Navy’s Delay
While acknowledging the importance of national security, the High Court also expressed dissatisfaction with the Navy’s delayed response. The judges questioned how a 19-storey building could rise over three years without timely objections from defense authorities.
The court remarked that such lapses indicate negligence toward national security and stressed that defense forces must conduct regular monitoring and patrols in sensitive areas like Colaba.
Civic Body Under Scrutiny
The Navy informed the court that it had written to the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) in July 2025, formally objecting to the construction on security grounds, but received no response.
The court issued a stern warning that if collusion between municipal officials and the developer is established, criminal proceedings would be initiated against those involved.
Developer Defends Construction
The developer countered the allegations, claiming that municipal approval for the project was granted under pre-2011 regulations, when defense NOCs were not mandatory. Therefore, the developer argued, the Navy cannot retroactively object on security grounds.
The developer also pointed out that over 200 informal settlements exist just 20 meters from the naval base at Badwar Park, without any objections raised by defense authorities over the years.
Next Hearing
The High Court has adjourned the matter until March 30, when it will further examine whether the construction violates national security norms.