Mira Bhayandar Land Row: Maharashtra To Challenge High Court Order
The Maharashtra government plans to file a Special Leave Petition in the Supreme Court challenging a Bombay High Court ruling in the Mira Bhayandar land dispute involving about 254.88 acres. The dispute centers on alleged long-standing tampering of revenue records and past court rulings, with a Supreme Court judgment on April 30, 2026 favoring private entities, prompting the SLP.
Why It Matters
The case could have wide implications for custody of public land and the handling of salt pan lands and historic leases in Maharashtra, potentially affecting other similar disputes.
Timeline
6 Events
May 9, 2026: Maharashtra to file SLP against Supreme Court judgment
The Maharashtra government decided to challenge the Supreme Court order by filing a Special Leave Petition in the Supreme Court in the coming days.
April 30, 2026: Supreme Court rules in favour of private entities
The Supreme Court ruled in favour of private entities in the Mira Bhayandar land dispute, effectively clearing the way for transfer of the disputed land to private developers.
April 30, 2019: High Court rules in favour of Mira Salt Works
In 2019, Mira Salt Company and the Salt Commissioner challenged the Collector's decision in a First Appeal before the Bombay High Court. On April 30, 2019, the High Court rejected the Salt Commissioner’s appeal and ruled in favour of Mira Salt Works.
2002 Thane District Collector rejects Mira Salt Company claims
In 2002, the Thane District Collector rejected the claims made by Mira Salt Company and ruled that the entire land was vested with the Maharashtra Government.
1958 entry for Central Government Salt Department
Records show that because the land was used as salt pans, the Central Government's Salt Department was entered into the records in 1958.
Land records tampering alleged since 1948
The Revenue Department says unauthorised alterations to the land records began in 1948, with initial entries for Estate Investment Company and Mira Salt Works, later followed by an entry for the Central Government Salt Department.