Bombay High Court Criticizes Navy Over High-Rise Construction Near INS Shikra

Mumbai: The Bombay High Court expressed strong displeasure at naval authorities over the construction of a 23-storey building near the naval base INS Shikra in South Mumbai. Justices Ravindra Ghughe and Abhay Mistry questioned whether the officials had been “asleep” while construction of the high-rise began in close proximity to a sensitive military installation.

The court said it would pass an interim order on Friday regarding a petition filed by the Indian Navy’s local military authority. The petition challenges the unauthorized construction of the building near the Colaba naval air station and the VVIP helipad, arguing that it violates security guidelines restricting high-rise structures within 500 meters of sensitive installations.

Court Questions Navy Vigilance

Senior counsel representing the Navy, R.V. Govilkar, argued that the construction of Jadhavji Mansion should be stopped immediately as it lacked the Navy’s No Objection Certificate (NOC) and violated building height regulations.

The High Court bench sharply questioned the Navy, asking why the issue had not been raised earlier. “Were you asleep all this time? The Navy should have monitored the area around its base regularly to prevent such construction,” Justice Ravindra Ghughe remarked.

The court noted that construction permission for the building was granted in 2021, yet concerns over security near INS Shikra were not adequately addressed. While the Navy had raised objections to the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) in mid-2025 after the building reached its 15th floor, the municipal authority failed to act promptly.

Builder’s Defense

Senior counsel for Opul Constructions Pvt Ltd, Janak Dwarkadas, argued that the 2011 guidelines did not make obtaining an NOC from the Navy mandatory. The guidelines only allowed the Ministry of Defence to raise objections if buildings over four storeys or 500 meters above posed a security threat. Dwarkadas questioned why nearby slum structures, potentially more hazardous, were allowed to remain.

Interim Orders

Considering the sensitive nature of the site and the ongoing concerns, the bench suggested an interim injunction permitting construction up to 15 floors—consistent with the original 2010 clearance for a height of 53 meters—until the final hearing.

The High Court will hear the matter fully on Friday, ensuring security and procedural compliance while balancing ongoing construction activities in the area.