Navi Mumbai CP must form team to probe fake sale deed cases: Bombay HC

The Bombay High Court today suggested that the Navi Mumbai Police Commissioner form a team of officers to investigate cases where the sale deeds of flats are prepared on the basis of forged and fabricated documents by builders, and where people are being duped of their money.

A division bench of justices A S Oka and V L Achiliya was hearing two public interest litigations by residents Rajiv Mishra and advocate Mayura Maru raising concerns over illegal constructions in Navi Mumbai.

The bench had last week taken a stern view of the issue and said the police has to initiate criminal action against the builders.

The court was today informed that FIR has been registered and an inquiry is on.

"This is a serious issue. The Navi Mumbai Commissioner should form a team of officers to be headed by a Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP). We will ask MIDC, Cidco and other civic authorities to inform the police if they come across any illegal construction. The police can then go to the site and see the sale deed agreement. If the documents are forged then criminal action can be taken," the court said.

The court also suggested that the police can give the public a notice, calling for people to come forward and lodge complaints against builders.

The court has posted the petition for hearing on October 28.

The state government last week informed the court that it was planning to regularise all illegal constructions in Navi Mumbai, and said it will be framing a policy on this soon.

The court had, however, said that even if such a policy is formed it shall not be implemented until the court gives permission.

"The state formed a similar policy for Ulhasnagar. That is still understandable as there were lot of refugee camps there in the past. But not for Navi Mumbai," the court said.