Despite an inquiry initiated over 29 months ago, no criminal case has been registered against 12 Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) officials found guilty of approving illegal studio constructions in Madh, Malad. The matter, which dates back to September 6, 2022, was flagged by an RTI inquiry raised by activist Sagar Ugale, in December 2024, revealing a lack of action despite an internal probe confirming the officials’ involvement.
In 2022, the Municipal Commissioner of Mumbai had ordered an inquiry into the alleged unauthorized construction of film studios in Madh, Marve, Erangal, Bhati, and Malad, following multiple complaints about violations in No Development Zones (NDZ) and Coastal Regulation Zones (CRZ). It was alleged that 49 studios had been built between 2021 and 2022 allegedly using fraudulent documents and in collusion with officials from BMC and the Maharashtra Coastal Zone Management Authority (MCZMA).
Despite these findings activist had claimed that , neither an FIR nor a criminal case has been lodged against the accused officials. The RTI response stated that while an investigation is ongoing, it has not yet been completed, making it impossible to disclose further details.
The then Municipal Commissioner in 2022, had appointed Deputy Municipal Commissioner (CPD) Harshad Kale as the Enquiry Officer and directed him to investigate:
• The role of the Assistant Commissioner (P/North) and other officials in granting approvals.
• The number of permissions granted and whether they were misused.
• The status of studios currently operating—whether they were permitted only for temporary film shoots or illegally converted into permanent structures.
• The involvement of BMC and MCZMA officials in allegedly misusing temporary permissions.
• The legal status of these studios and their presence in NDZ and CRZ areas.
The commissioner had instructed the Enquiry Officer to submit a report within four weeks, specifying the involvement of BMC officials and recommending necessary actions. However, 29 months later, the investigation remains incomplete, and no disciplinary action has been taken.
Whistleblowers and activists claim that the delays point to a cover-up. The lack of an FIR or criminal proceedings despite established guilt has raised concerns about some shielding of alleged wrong doers.
In a letter written by Ugale to the BMC commissioner, has asked for a quick response to the inquiry, failing which, he said that the matter will be taken up before the Bombay High Court, by filing a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) under Article 226 in the case.
