Ahmedabad: Redevelopment projects in the city are often stalled by a handful of dissenters. But in this rare case, it’s the majority that’s up in arms. Over 120 out of 204 members of a Gujarat Housing Board society in Satellite have taken legal action after eviction notices landed at their doors in March. They say they were misled into giving consent for a redevelopment deal inked with a builder and a society committee whose legitimacy they now question. They approached the Gujarat high court on Wednesday, against the very redevelopment project they had once agreed to.
The dissenting residents of Parishram Nagar Vibhag-1 near Shivranjani Crossroads filed a petition in the HC, complaining that GHB and the developer, Sun Buildcon, entered into a tripartite agreement for redevelopment with the society’s president, secretary, and a committee member, whose credentials were questionable.
Although 191 members gave their consent for redevelopment more than a year ago, the consent was “uninformed”. They alleged that the committee that dealt with the GHB and the developer did not disclose details of the final redevelopment plan to the residents. The dissenters then made a representation to the housing commissioner, who did not adjudicate the dispute, which is when they approached the HC.
The petitioners, represented by advocate Harsh Raval, told HC that a new society committee was elected by general body to replace the previous one. However, both the GHB and the developer refused to acknowledge this new committee and continued negotiations with the earlier group. The residents further allege that the eviction notices were not served properly, but were instead flung into their homes without formal acknowledgment.
The GHB, on the other hand, defended the process by stating that 60 members have already vacated and moved into temporary accommodation arranged by the builder. It also alleged that the same members now opposing redevelopment had initially consented to the project and are going back on their word. Its counsel contended that the petitioners did not make full disclosure in the petition.
Justice Aniruddha Mayee has directed the GHB to provide complete details of the redevelopment process and adjourned the hearing to April 24.