(Image source from: Ndtv.com)

The Supreme Court today opted not to halt the current construction activities for the Dharavi Redevelopment Project (DRP), upholding the Bombay High Court's ruling in favor of the Adani Group. During the appeal brought forth by Seclink Technologies Corporation, which is based in the UAE, the court pointed out that project activities had already commenced, including the demolition of certain railway quarters. Seclink had contested the decision made by the Maharashtra government that awarded the Dharavi project to Adani Properties Limited, instead of honoring Seclink’s previous bid. Nonetheless, the Supreme Court mandated that all financial transactions associated with the project should be processed through a singular escrow account. Chief Justice of India (CJI) Sanjiv Khanna, along with Justice PV Sanjay Kumar, noted during the proceedings that the Bombay High Court's ruling was appropriate, considering the railway line would be developed as part of the project.

The court has issued notices to both the Maharashtra government and Adani Properties, with the next session set for May 25. Seclink Technologies, which had previously proposed a bid of Rs 7,200 crore for the Dharavi redevelopment project, communicated to the Supreme Court its readiness to enhance its offer by 20 percent. The bench instructed Seclink to present an affidavit explaining its adjusted bid. In December 2024, the Bombay High Court endorsed the Maharashtra government’s resolution to annul Seclink's 2019 proposal and to issue a new tender in 2022, ultimately granting the project to the Adani Group. Following this, Seclink brought its case to the Supreme Court. The government defended its decision, pointing to shifts in economic circumstances from 2019 to 2022, including the COVID-19 pandemic, the Russia-Ukraine conflict, currency fluctuations, and rising interest rates.