BMC Takes Tough Action Against DBS Realty, Attaches 18 Buildings in Chandivli Over Rs 179 Crore Tax Arrears

📅 February 20, 2025

In a significant move aimed at cracking down on tax defaulters, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has attached 18 buildings owned by DBS Realty in the Chandivli area due to outstanding property tax arrears amounting to approximately Rs 179 crore. The BMC’s latest action is part of its broader strategy to enforce tax compliance and recover dues from individuals or entities evading their obligations.

Tax Evasion and BMC's Enforcement Measures

The BMC has been increasingly vigilant in taking stringent actions against property tax defaulters. Under Section 203 of the Mumbai Municipal Corporation Act, the municipal body issues property attachment and seizure notices to those who fail to pay taxes. If the owed tax remains unpaid for 21 days after the notice, the municipality initiates the process of auctioning off the property to recover the outstanding amount.

In this case, the 18 buildings attached by the BMC are part of an under-construction Slum Rehabilitation Authority (SRA) project in Sangharshnagar, Chandivli, developed by DBS Realty. The tax arrears have reportedly been pending for several years, and after completing all procedural formalities, including hearings and addressing the developer’s grievances regarding the property tax bill, the BMC proceeded with the attachment.

According to a BMC official, property tax bills are typically raised once the land is deemed to be in a developable condition, which was the case here. The arrears, however, accumulated due to non-payment over a prolonged period.

BMC’s Aggressive Collection Targets for 2024-25

The BMC is taking aggressive steps to meet its ambitious property tax collection target of Rs 6,200 crore for the fiscal year 2024-25. As of February 12, 2025, the civic body had successfully collected Rs 4,823 crore, with the remaining Rs 1,377 crore yet to be collected before the deadline of March 31.

This proactive approach towards tax collection reflects the BMC