25 May,2026 09:49 AM IST | Mumbai | Abhitash Singh
Residents of Sai Kutir CHS in Kopar Khairane
Eighty-Nine families of Sai Kutir Cooperative Housing Society (CHS) in Kopar Khairane are locked in a legal and civic dispute over alleged unauthorised commercial encroachment linked to a proposed hospital facility. What began as objections to building alterations has now escalated into a serious safety concern, with residents alleging that illegal construction work on the first floor has caused severe water seepage into the society's electrical meter room.
The dispute centres around Life Spring Maternity and Multispeciality Hospital. Residents claim common areas were altered and converted for the hospital's use without society approval. They also alleged they were never informed about the proposed hospital when purchasing their flats.
According to residents and documents accessed by mid-day, a common passage was allegedly reduced from 2.6 metres to 1.9 metres due to hospital office encroachment. Residents further claimed that the first-floor lobby was converted into a patient waiting area, while space beneath staircases was turned into an oxygen plant and storage facility.
"We are not against legal commercial activities, provided they do not inconvenience residents or encroach upon common spaces meant for all families," said resident Rajshri Patil.
Jayashree Menon added, "If three non-members are allowed to use common areas for their personal commercial benefit, then tomorrow every other member may start claiming society spaces for private profit. There has to be one rule for everyone."
Tensions escalated recently after construction work allegedly resumed on the first floor. Residents shared videos showing water flowing through an electrical duct into the meter room, raising concerns about a potential fire or electrical accident.
The ongoing construction work has raised safety concerns
Taresh Varshney added, "Residents have cooperated for years with all lawful commercial activities, but now attempts are being made to pressure the society into accepting unauthorised usage of common spaces. The concern is about residents' rights and safety." Residents also alleged that outsiders and bouncers were brought into the society's premises during the dispute.
Residents said that despite a January 29, 2026, order from Mantralaya cancelling earlier permissions allegedly favouring the hospital, the Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC) and the Health Department issued new notices in April this year.
Arvind Kadam said, "The builder cannot issue NOCs for permanent use of common areas after the Occupation Certificate without the consent of flat owners. This matter will be challenged before the appropriate legal forums until a logical and lawful conclusion is reached."
Rajiv Jain, secretary of Sai Kutir Society, said, "This is not a fight against business or healthcare services. The issue is whether common residential areas can be used for private commercial gain without approval from the majority of society members."
NMMC Commissioner Dr Kailas Shinde told mid-day that the matter is currently before the High Court and that the health department granted permission legally. Health Officer Dr Rajesh Mhatre said the hospital received approval after submitting all required documents.
