Introduction to high power committee(S)
 




The High Power Committee(s) is constituted by Govt. of Maharashtra by notification under no . Yachika-2007/ Prakra 361/ Zopasu -1 issued pursuant to the order of the Hon’ble High Court dated 1st November 2007 in writ petition no. 1326/07(heard along with other Petitions)( 2008 1BCR page 1). The full bench of the Hon’ble High Court, Mumbai presided by Chief Justice Swatanter Kumar, Justice Dr D.Y.Chandrachud and Justice S.C.Dharmadhikari in the further order dated 18/12/08 has observed :

" It needs to be noticed that the High Power Committee is vested with vast powers and is performing quasi-judicial functions. It is determining not only the rights and obligations between the parties in relation to slum rehabilitation schemes but even other commercial transactions which have far reaching consequences and repercussions. The very purpose of constituting the High Power Committee was to ensure that Officers of senior rank from different Organizations are able to sit together , work collectively and in full co-operation with each other, while also ensuring that the matters are dealt with and disposed of expeditiously. The question of delegating such powers would not arise. That is neither the scope of the Full Bench Judgment of this Court nor would it be, in the larger public interest, advisable. Performance of such duties which are to be dealt with matters involving high stakes on the one hand and on the other hand have a direct impact on the development of the city, have to be examined and determined by very responsible persons of appropriate stature in the hierarchy of the State administration. It would not be advisable to leave matters of such importance involving complex issues except to the officers of responsible positions who would have the expertise to deal with such complex issues . The collective participation of Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation, Slum Rehabilitation Authority (SRA), Maharashtra Housing and Area Development Authority (MHADA) and Mumbai Metropolitan Regional Development Authority (MMRDA) , is otherwise absolutely essential as the development schemes travel through all these Departments before the same can be implemented. To permit delegation of such power would neither be just nor fair in accordance with the schemes of the various statutory provisions as well as the Full Bench Judgment of this Court which has been accepted and implemented by the State without any reservation."

By the said order dated 18/12/2008 the Hon’ble Full Bench has also constituted second High Power Committee.

Click here to view Full Bench order dated 11/02/2009.

Click here to view Full Bench order dated 18/12/2008.

Click here to view Full Bench order dated 01/11/2007.