SC directs L&T to hand over AM Naik’s Pali Hill plot to co-owners
The Supreme Court directed Larsen & Toubro to hand over the Pali Hill plot, formerly housing Anil Naik’s residence, to multiple co-owners. The case traces back to a 1970 lease expiry and 2001 eviction proceedings, with a High Court ruling in March 2026 and the Supreme Court dismissal in April 2026.
Why It Matters
The ruling settles ownership and eviction rights among multiple co-owners and clarifies how minority stake acquisitions during litigation interact with eviction decrees.
Timeline
4 Events
Supreme Court dismisses L&T's petition; plot to be handed over to co-owners
The Supreme Court dismissed L&T's special leave petition; ordered the plot, in vacant condition, to be handed over to the listed co-owners: Kantilal Kothari, Premchand Kothari, Ramniklal Kothari, Manish Kothari, Snehal Runwal, Saurabh Kothari, Madhubala Kothari, Shilpa Patel, Saraswati Kothari, Mofatraj Munot, Subhash Kothari, Chandra Munot, Anuj Munot, Ajay Munot, Riddhi Singhvi and PLS Technologies.
Bombay High Court judgment on eviction rights (March 27, 2026)
The Bombay High Court rejected L&T’s argument that acquiring a minority stake made it a co-owner and could defeat eviction rights; it held that strategic minority acquisitions during litigation could not circumvent a lawful eviction decree.
Eviction proceedings initiated after tenancy termination (2001)
The landlord group initiated eviction proceedings in 2001 after terminating the tenancy.
Lease expiry of the plot (1970)
The formal lease of the plot expired in 1970.