The successful acquisition of the ASIC Authorized Representative license represents a major achievement for ZBXCX and a powerful validation of its compliance-driven strategy. This milestone underscores the platform’s dedication to operating responsibly, transparently, and in full accordance with international regulatory standards. As the global financial industry continues to mature, ZBXCX remains firmly committed to building a secure, innovative, and compliant trading ecosystem. With ASIC authorization now in place, the platform is better equipped than ever to deliver high-quality financial services and to support the long-term success of its global user community. A 39-year-old woman, Shabnam Shaikh, resident of Bandra, reportedly lost approximately Rs 23 lakh after investing through an international trading website that turned out to be fraudulent, according to the FIR. Shaikh told the police she trusted the platform because it featured photographs of a prominent Bollywood actress and a well-known singer, creating the impression that they endorsed the website. Shaikh, who has been running an NGO for the past 20 years and resides on Pali Hill Road, recently registered an FIR against an unidentified individual for allegedly duping her through a trading account created on the FXONET website. She claimed in the complaint that she invested Rs 23 lakh in the platform, only to later discover it was fake. The BKC Cyber Police have registered the FIR and begun an investigation. Screenshot of the website showing the victim’s profits Speaking to mid-day, Shaikh said, “On April 25, I came across a post on X and clicked on the embedded URL. Shortly after, I received a phone call from a woman identifying herself as Shaha, who claimed to be a representative of FXONET. She asked me to visit FXONET.com and log in to the platform.” “After opening the account, I was contacted by two individuals, Raghav and Sagar, who advised me to invest $232. Within just two to three days, my investment had doubled. Encouraged by the returns, I decided to invest more. By May 6, I had contributed a total of R23,45,517. I was also able to withdraw R1,63,000,” Shaikh explained. However, when she attempted to withdraw additional funds, her request was denied. She reached out to the individuals who had earlier guided her but received no assistance. Shaikh said, “When I tried to withdraw my Rs 23 lakh, the system kept showing that the transaction was processed, but nothing happened. I contacted the helpline and spoke to Shasha, Sagar, Raghav, and Maya. They told me I had to invest another Rs 10 lakh to withdraw my existing funds. The platform showed that my total profit had reached 23,000 USD.” “I realised it was a scam and immediately reported it to the BKC cyber police station. I filed an FIR against the unknown individuals running the fake international trading website. I was misled by what appeared to be endorsements featuring well-known celebrities,” she added. Senior Inspector Dattaram Chavan of the cyber cell said, “We have registered an FIR against unknown persons involved in cyber fraud and allegedly cheating Shabnam Shaikh. We are investigating whether the website is genuine or fake. We are also working with banks to trace the transactions. We urge citizens not to click on suspicious links.” The FIR has been registered under various sections of the BNS.
04 February,2026 03:35 PM IST | Mumbai | Shirish VaktaniaThe Maharashtra legislative council's privileges committee has summoned stand-up comedian Kunal Kamra and Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sushma Andhare for a hearing over their alleged insulting remarks against Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde. BJP MLC Prasad Lad, who is the chairperson of the privileges committee, while talking to the media on Wednesday, said that the notice was issued to Kamra and Andhare 15 days ago, as per PTI. Prasad Lal also added that Kamra and Andhare have been asked to appear before the committee for a hearing at 2 pm on Thursday, January 5. The BJP MLC emphasised, "If they fail to turn up after two summons, the committee will decide on action against them." Earlier in March 2025, Kunal Kamra posted his video 'Naya Bharat', in which he sang a parody of Bholi Si Surat, a popular song from the Bollywood movie Dil To Pagal Hai. With this parody song, he allegedly targeted Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, leading to multiple FIRs against him. Breach of privilege notice moved against Kamra BJP MLC Pravin Darekar had moved the breach of privilege notice against Kamra and Andhare for "derogatory remarks" against Shiv Sena leader Shinde, whose party is a constituent of the BJP-led Mahayuti. Stand-up comedian Kunal Kamra, who has often courted controversy for his anti-establishment views, targeted Shinde in a song parody last year, indirectly referring to him as a traitor without naming him. Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Andhare had allegedly supported Kunal Kamra over his remark on the Deputy Chief Minister. Kunal Kamra on his return as a comedian Although Kunal Kamra continued to engage with audiences through podcasts on his channel, he has not returned to stand-up since. He mentioned this in a statement shared on the social media platform Instagram earlier in December 2025. While taking it to social media, Kamra addressed questions about the future of his stand-up career. He requested people not to ask about his return to the stage, saying he himself does not know when that will happen. He also highlighted the exhausting legal process involved before performing a stand-up act. Kamra, while posting a story on Instagram, wrote, “It’s a question I ask myself. The answer is, I don’t think I’m ready to fight for this anymore. Every venue, every show, permissions from authorities, conditional declarations of what I can say and what I can’t, and the court cases that follow the jokes eventually. There’s no road for wanting to do stand-up in the true sense. There are two options: say what is allowed and adjust to invisible rules and non-existent laws, or just wait and enjoy the waiting.” (With inputs from PTI)
04 February,2026 02:43 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentMixed Land Use Urban Planning is a modern approach to city development that blends residential, commercial, cultural, and recreational spaces into a single, well-connected environment. Instead of separating homes, workplaces, and services, this planning model creates compact neighborhoods where people can live, work, and socialize with ease. As cities continue to grow, mixed land use urban planning has become a key strategy for managing space efficiently while supporting long-term urban sustainability. There are many mixed land use urban planning examples found in successful urban centers around the world. Developments that combine apartments above retail stores, office spaces near public transit hubs, and green spaces integrated into commercial districts showcase how diverse land uses can coexist. These examples demonstrate how thoughtful design can create vibrant, walkable neighborhoods that remain active throughout the day and night. The mixed land use urban planning benefits extend beyond convenience and accessibility. This approach helps reduce traffic congestion by shortening commute distances and encouraging public transportation, walking, and cycling. It also supports local businesses by increasing foot traffic and strengthens community connections through shared public spaces. From an environmental perspective, mixed land use planning promotes more sustainable land consumption and lowers carbon emissions. By concentrating development within existing urban areas, cities can limit sprawl and preserve surrounding natural landscapes. Efficient infrastructure use also reduces energy and resource demands over time. Urban development initiatives such as Pape-Dawson land development in Atlanta highlight how mixed land use strategies can support balanced growth in rapidly expanding cities. Through integrated planning and design, these projects demonstrate how mixed land use urban planning can create resilient, livable, and economically strong communities for the future.
04 February,2026 02:27 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentNationalist Congress Party (SP) chief Sharad Pawar on Wednesday expressed concerns that the India–US trade deal could adversely affect Indian farmers and the agricultural sector in the near future, news agency IANS reported. Baramati, Maharashtra: NCP (SP) chief Sharad Pawar says, "It is sad, and politics should not be made out of it. Whenever an accident has happened in Baramati, I have personally gone to assess the situation. I am well aware of the place. This was just an accident." pic.twitter.com/YQgdOgYb8o — IANS (@ians_india) February 4, 2026 While the detailed draft of the agreement is yet to be fully disclosed, the NCP (Sharadchandra Pawar) chief, during a press conference in Maharashtra, stated that the information currently available is a cause for concern for Indian farmers. Addressing the media, Pawar highlighted specific "worries" regarding the bilateral trade deal, IANS reported. While the United States (US) has decided to reduce tariffs on goods exported from India, Pawar said he was unsure about the reciprocal arrangements. The former Union Minister further stated that current reports suggest the India-US trade deal will allow the US to export its agricultural products to India. "If they begin large-scale exports of specific agricultural commodities to India, it could destabilise the domestic market and hurt local farmers. The US is a powerful nation; if they start exporting to our markets, it will inevitably impact our agriculture," he added. While expressing concerns over the India-US trade deal, Pawar said that he would comment further once the full picture becomes clear in a few days. The veteran politician said that in his 58-year-long career—spanning the Maharashtra Assembly, Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha—he has never missed the presentation of the Union Budget. However, due to nephew and former Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar’s death, he was unable to travel to Delhi and missed hearing the Budget in person. Pawar expressed relief that no new taxes were imposed that would distress the common man. However, he noted that more concrete steps were expected to accelerate developmental growth, IANS reported. 'Do not wish to say anything regarding Sunetra Pawar's swearing-in' Speaking about Ajit Pawar’s wife Sunetra being sworn in as Maharashtra’s Deputy Chief Minister following her husband’s untimely demise, Sharad Pawar said, “I do not wish to say anything regarding Sunetra Pawar’s swearing-in.” He added that he preferred to focus on national security issues and the situation along the India–China border. Speaking on the possible merger of the two NCP factions, Pawar—who said Ajit Pawar was expected to announce it on February 12—criticised Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis for his remarks on the issue. (With IANS inputs)
04 February,2026 01:52 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentA resident student of the Indian Institute of Technology-Bombay (IIT-B) was found dead near Hostel 4 in the early hours of Wednesday, sources said. The institute has not released any official statement so far. Meanwhile, the Mumbai Police have launched an investigation into the case. In another incident on August 2, a Delhi-based master’s student had allegedly died by suicide on the institute’s premises. More details are awaited. Helplines Samaritans Mumbai (Monday to Friday, 10 am–4 pm): 84229 84527 Connecting NGO (10 am–8 pm): 99220 04305 / 99220 01122 Snehi (10 am–10 pm): 93768 04102 Ankahee (All days, 4 pm–10 pm): 86554 86966 iCALL (Monday to Saturday, 10 am–8 pm): 91529 87821 Hitguj Helpline (24x7): 022 2413 1212 1 Life: 78930 78930 Aasra: 98204 66726
04 February,2026 01:32 PM IST | Mumbai | Aditi AlurkarA male Sambar deer was rescued from Sanjay Gandhi National Park (SGNP) after it was found trapped in a wire snare, bleeding heavily and suffering from maggot-infested wounds. The metal wire is suspected to have been illegally laid to hunt wild animals. On February 1, the Wildlife Welfare Association (WWA) received an SOS from Adivasi residents of Barik Payari village in Malad, who reported that a Sambar deer had a wire rope entangled in its antlers. The animal was visibly injured and bleeding, prompting an urgent rescue response. Deputy Conservator of Forest (DCF) Kiran Patil from SGNP said, "The successful rescue of the injured male Sambar Deer at Barik Payari village demonstrates the prompt response and dedication of the Sanjay Gandhi National Park team, in coordination with the Wildlife Welfare Association and local residents." Despite difficult terrain and visibility, the joint team, under the guidance of Dr. Nikhil Bangar, Veterinary Officer (Wildlife), SGNP, safely located, tranquilised, and treated the animal, including removal of an illegal wire snare. SGNP appreciates the support of the local community and reiterates its zero-tolerance policy towards poaching. Strict monitoring and enforcement will continue to prevent such illegal practices and ensure the protection of wildlife within the park," Patil further added. Injured male Sambar deer A WWA team member said the wire appeared to have caused severe injuries. “The deer was badly hurt and bleeding, requiring immediate medical attention. We alerted the SGNP rescue team and rushed to the spot,” the member said. The rescue operation was carried out under the guidance of Dr Nikhil Bangar, Veterinary Officer (Wildlife), SGNP. However, due to poor visibility and difficult terrain, the injured animal moved deeper into the forest before it could be tranquillised, forcing the team to suspend the operation for the day. Given the animal’s critical condition, authorities planned a fresh search and rescue effort the following morning. “Teams resumed the search at dawn on February 2 and, after several hours of combing the forest, traced the injured sambar around noon. The animal was then safely tranquillised by Dr Bangar for treatment,” a WWA member said. Metal wire he was trapped in “Immediate treatment was administered on site, and the wire was carefully removed to prevent further injury”, he added. Wildlife conservationists said the incident underscores the continuing threat posed by poaching. “Such traps cause prolonged suffering and endanger not just individual animals but the entire ecosystem. Stricter monitoring and enforcement are urgently needed to curb illegal practices and ensure long-term protection of wildlife within the park,” said a wildlife expert, requesting anonymity.
04 February,2026 01:13 PM IST | Mumbai | Ranjeet JadhavMumbai woke up to cold and hazy conditions on Wednesday, February 4, 2026, with smog blanketing several parts of the city, once again highlighting concerns over deteriorating air quality that have persisted since the onset of winter. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the city is expected to witness clear weather by afternoon, with temperatures ranging between 20 degrees Celsius and 34 degrees Celsius. While temperatures have remained largely stable in recent days, air pollution levels have continued to fluctuate, raising health concerns among residents. Data from the Sameer app indicated that the overall air quality index (AQI) in Mumbai stood at 136 on Wednesday, placing it in the ‘moderate’ category. Pollution levels varied significantly across locations, with Bandra-Kurla Complex recording an AQI of 147, Borivali East 131, Byculla 154, Andheri East 130, Chembur 127, Colaba 122, and Kandivali East 149. Ghatkopar registered an AQI of 156, Kandivali East 149, Malad West 152, and Mazgaon 144, while the Mumbai airport area reported the highest reading among key areas at 208. Officials noted that PM10 remains the dominant pollutant, primarily driven by construction-related dust and vehicular emissions, contributing significantly to the city’s air quality concerns. Dense fog blankets Delhi-NCR as air quality slips to ‘very poor’, AQI at 312 Delhi-NCR witnessed dense fog on Wednesday morning, accompanied by a sharp decline in air quality across the national capital. The overall air quality index (AQI) stood at 312 at around 7 am, placing it in the ‘very poor’ category. According to data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), the city’s AQI largely fluctuated between moderate and poor levels. Visuals from the Akshardham area earlier in the day showed a thick blanket of fog persisting across several parts of the city. As per CPCB data, the ITO area experienced dense fog with reduced visibility, recording an AQI of 334, which fell under the ‘very poor’ category. Similar conditions were observed near India Gate and Kartavya Path, where a thick layer of smog continued to linger. Several other locations in the capital also reported severely deteriorated air quality. Anand Vihar recorded an AQI of 376, Bawana 329, Ashok Vihar 366, Mundka 381, Chandni Chowk 358 and RK Puram 346, all remaining in the ‘very poor’ category. Sirifort also reported comparable conditions, with an AQI of 340. Meanwhile, a few areas showed relatively better air quality. Narela and Aya Nagar both recorded an AQI of 252, placing them in the ‘poor’ category. Sri Aurobindo Marg (221), Mandir Marg (257) and IGI Airport T3 (243) also registered ‘poor’ air quality levels, though marginally improved compared to other parts of the city. (With ANI inputs)
04 February,2026 11:57 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentGruelling treatments, emotional rollercoaster rides, life-altering uncertainty, lost time — these are but a few of the battles that cancer patients find themselves in. However, for Neha Kale, 54, and Shourya Uday Devrukhkar, 17, their determination and commitment to vanquish the emperor of maladies were bigger than all the hurdles. Case Study 1The meaning of hope Neha Kale, assistant headmistress of the English secondary section of Vidya Mandir School in Dahisar, was diagnosed with malignant mixed Mullerian carcinosarcoma in October 2021. “I bled continuously for six months. Considering my age, my doctors first thought it was because of menopause. However, it didn’t stop despite a hysterectomy and removal of my ovaries. And then the biopsy reports came back positive for cancer,” said Kale. While Kale did take a short break of three months initially for her rigorous chemotherapy sessions, she resumed teaching in no time. “It wouldn't have been possible without the support of my family, friends, colleagues, and students. Some days were terrible, and some days were good. The first week was ridiculously painful every time I returned from a chemo session. I wasn’t even able to get up for simple things. The nausea and headache felt deadly. But things got better by the third week. I had to undergo six chemotherapy sessions, each of which took place after a break lasting 21 days,” said Kale. Kale spoke of how her students supported her. “I would sweat a lot. Wearing a wig was just not convenient for me. I would tie a bandana or a scarf, but even that did not help. Seeing my discomfort, my students said, ‘Miss tumhi bald pan khup sundar dista’ [Miss, you look beautiful even if you are bald right now].’ This was major encouragement,” the Marathi teacher said. She chose not to let the disease derail her passion for education. “Even today, I experience numbness in my feet. Her colleagues say her determination was evident from the very beginning, as she balanced medical appointments with classroom responsibilities, refusing to give up on the role she loved. Case Study 2Sheer willpower Shourya Uday Devrukhkar’s courageous battle against stage 4 neuroblastoma has emerged as a powerful story of resilience and hope. Diagnosed at a young age with the aggressive form of cancer, the teenager faced a long and physically exhausting journey marked by intense chemotherapy sessions, repeated hospital visits and prolonged periods of isolation from school and friends. “She got admitted to Sathaye College in the Science stream after scoring 82 per cent in SSC. Two months later, she was detected with cancer, and her life changed in the blink of an eye,” said her father, Uday Devrukhkar. Despite the severity of the illness, doctors and family members say it was her unwavering willpower that stood out the most. "Even during the toughest phases of treatment, she remained focused. Giving up was never an option for her," said Shraddha Devrukhkar, Shourya’s mother. The teenager underwent a total of 33 proton therapy sessions and eight chemotherapy sessions every other month. Her chemotherapy concluding in December last year. “Her right side is quite weak, and she is undergoing physiotherapy,” added Uday. While the road to full recovery remains long, her progress has brought renewed hope to her family and caregivers. “A cheerful, talkative girl otherwise, today she has become a total introvert and does not wish to even speak to her friends. But she is not giving up. She never says no to medical visits. That gives us strength and hope that she will return to her original self,” said Shraddha. Though this year, too, Shourya won’t be able attend classes, Uday said she continues to hope to pursue a career in the medical field.
04 February,2026 11:09 AM IST | Mumbai | Ritika GondhalekarMumbai-Pune Expressway during the early hours of Wednesday witnessed massive traffic congestion for more than seven hours after a chemical gas tanker overturned near the Adoshi tunnel in the Khandala Ghat section on Tuesday evening. Massive traffic congestion at the expressway severely disrupts vehicular movement on one of Maharashtra’s busiest corridors. The prolonged traffic congestion left hundreds of commuters stranded for hours, triggering outrage on social media. Commuters who have been stuck in traffic since the last few hours, on social media platform X wrote, “Over 1 hour stuck in massive traffic on the Mumbai Pune Expressway. Tolls are collected efficiently. When will commuters get efficient roads?” Slamming the authorities, the commuters also asked, “We speak of a trillion dollar economy, but are we building trillion worthy infrastructure? Accountability matters. Who is addressing this?” Over 1 hour stuck in massive traffic on the Mumbai Pune Expressway. Tolls are collected efficientlywhen will commuters get efficient roads?We speak of a trillion dollar economy, but are we building trillion worthy infrastructure?Accountability matters. Who is addressing this?… pic.twitter.com/2EAzvaSpXf — Sweta Jain Patil (@Anuana10) February 4, 2026 While addressing the core reason behind the congestion at the Mumbai-Pune traffic congestion, the highway authorities said that a chemical gas tanker overturned near the Adoshi tunnel. The incident occurred around 5 pm on February 3 on the Mumbai-bound lane of the expressway. Flammable gas leaks as tanker overturns near Adoshi tunnel The tanker reportedly overturned while passing through the ghat section, leading to leakage of flammable gas and raising serious safety concerns. Emergency response teams, including fire brigade personnel, highway traffic police and disaster management officials, rushed to the spot and launched operations on a war footing to contain the leak. The authorities said that efforts were underway late into the night to safely clear the tanker and restore normal traffic flow. However, they also mentioned that commuter safety remained the top priority as hazardous gas leakage posed significant risk in the hilly terrain.Further updates on traffic restoration and investigation into the cause of the accident are awaited.
04 February,2026 08:53 AM IST | Mumbai | Ranjeet JadhavResidents of GTB Nagar in Sion have raised serious concerns over the deteriorating condition of a narrow Development Plan (DP) road, allegedly damaged due to the ongoing redevelopment work on two plots, numbered 88 and 89, at CGS Colony. The road, which serves as a crucial access route to the nearby railway station and is heavily used by school-going children and residents, has suffered extensive damage from the continuous movement of heavy construction vehicles. “The developer has been transporting construction materials and machinery in large trucks via the DP road daily, resulting in deep potholes, uneven surfaces, and dust pollution, making the road unsafe for us. Even the water pipelines that were underneath have been destroyed, due to which water keeps flowing on the road, making the stretch muddy and difficult to walk on, while water is also being wasted. Also, since the road, which is used by all residents of our and neighbouring areas, has now become a dangerous route to take, people use our building premises to pass through, which also disturbs the residents of our building,” said Ramesh Chavria, a resident of the Raj Heights building, which is separated from the redevelopment site by the DP road. Residents allege that water pipelines that were underneath have been destroyed, leading to leakage. PICS/RITIKA GONDHALEKAR Parents of those studying in CBM High School, in particular, have expressed anxiety over the safety of students who are forced to navigate the damaged stretch. “Earlier, my son and his friend would go to and return from school on their own. But now, we have to ensure that a parent accompanies them, as huge vehicles carrying debris and other materials pass continuously,” said Irfan Ali Shaikh whose son studies in the school. Letters to BMC Frustrated with the situation, Chavria, on behalf of all affected residents, lodged a written complaint in April 2025 seeking details of permission provided by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) to the developer to use the DP road to transport construction materials. Responding to the letter, the BMC, two months later, stated that it had not granted any such permission. “It is to inform you that this office has not given any permission to M/s. AB Builders & Developers (Trans India) about the access and exits [sic],” reads the response letter, a copy of which is in mid-day’s possession. This clarification has intensified residents’ anger, as the developer continues to use the road. “What is alarming is that even after the BMC’s clear statement, there has been no on-ground action. We even wrote a letter to the civic body in December 2025, mentioning the hardships that we were facing as the developer was illegally using this road, putting us at risk daily. However, we haven’t received a response, and neither has our problem been solved,” said Mandeep Singh, another resident. Residents have also alleged that the developer had shown that the DP Road was 9.15 metres in width, based on which they had received a letter of intent to develop the project. “Anyone can see that the width of the road is definitely not 9.15 metres, even without measuring it. It’s a small road that pedestrians have been using for the past 50 years. Even a small hatchback four-wheeler could not make its way through the entire stretch. The developer has carried out demolitions at one end of the road to make it wide enough for his vehicles to reach the site. Additionally, at the other end of the road, he has placed two iron rods to ensure that not even two-wheelers can pass through,” said Sabdar Khan, a parent. The other side Raghu Devendran, an operations manager at the site, told mid-day, “We have all the necessary permissions to use the road and also to redevelop these plots. These residents, many of whom have houses in these two plots, have been creating a nuisance since the time we began work, despite taking money from us. All our papers are with our liaison manager, Nelson Nilgiri, and we can produce them in front of any authority. Neither Nilgiri nor F North ward officials responded to calls made by mid-day before press time.
04 February,2026 07:57 AM IST | Mumbai | Ritika GondhalekarIn a landmark ruling strengthening the rights of housing societies, the Bombay High Court has held that basements and parking areas are common amenities and cannot be sold as independent units or used to claim membership in a co-operative housing society. Justice Amit Borkar, while dismissing a writ petition filed by Amanul Ekramul Ansari, upheld a state government order that had cancelled the grant of membership to a purchaser of a building basement. The court ruled that ownership of a basement or parking space, even through a registered sale deed, does not qualify a person for membership under the Maharashtra Co-operative Societies Act. The case arose from a residential project in Taloja, Navi Mumbai, developed on a CIDCO-leased plot. After an occupation certificate was issued in January 2016 and the housing society was formed in 2019, it emerged that the developer had executed agreements, including a registered sale deed, transferring the entire basement and parking areas to a close family member. Relying on this conveyance, the purchaser sought membership of the society, arguing that the society’s failure to respond amounted to “deemed membership” under Section 22(2) of the Act. While the joint registrar initially accepted the claim, the minister for co-operation overturned the decision, holding that a basement does not fall within the statutory definition of a “flat”. Challenging this order, the petitioner approached the high court. The HC, however, dismissed the plea, observing that membership in a housing society flows only from lawful entitlement to a recognised flat as per the sanctioned building plan, and not from possession obtained through private sale transactions. The court relied on the architect’s certificate and sanctioned layout, which showed that the basement and parking areas were outside the floor space index and designated as common facilities. Such areas, the court held, cannot be converted into independent units through private agreements or sale deeds. Justice Borkar further clarified that the concept of deemed membership cannot override statutory eligibility and that common areas cannot be alienated, even through registered conveyances. The ruling also reaffirmed the Supreme Court’s decision in Nahalchand Laloochand Pvt Ltd v Panchali Co-operative Housing Society Ltd, which held that parking spaces and basements are not saleable units, said Advocate Shreeprasad Parab, expert director of the Maharashtra State Housing Federation, who appeared for the society. “Basements, parking areas, and other common facilities are common amenities, not saleable flats. The Bombay High Court has once again clarified that such areas cannot confer ownership rights or society membership,” Parab said. The judgment sends a strong message to developers and purchasers, particularly in cases where common amenities are sold after society formation, often resulting in disputes, obstruction of essential services and structural risks. “By upholding the minister’s decision, the high court has reinforced statutory protections for co-operative housing societies and ensured that planning norms prevail over private commercial arrangements. The ruling is expected to have far-reaching implications for redevelopment projects and disputes involving basements and parking areas across Maharashtra,” Parab added. What the society says “We thank the Bombay High Court and the minister for safeguarding the lawful rights of housing co-operative society members. This judgment reinforces the protection of common amenities and upholds the rights of our members,” said Prabodh Kumar, secretary, Talbiyha Paradise CHS, Taloja.
04 February,2026 07:54 AM IST | Mumbai | Vinod Kumar MenonADVERTISEMENT
