3 days ago
Bombay Parsi Trust Registers Colony Tenancies Despite Trustee Opposition
The Bombay Parsi Punchayet manages thousands of homes in Mumbai.
It has started changing some residents’ housing agreements into tenancy agreements.
The first agreements have been registered, starting with homes that were allotted without charge.
Three trustees disagree with the plan and say there was no clear written framework.
Chairman Viraf Mehta says the board approved the decision by majority.
Some residents say a tenancy agreement could give them a stronger right to their home.
Residents who choose the change may need to pay stamp duty.
The trust says it will review the remaining deposit-based flats before deciding how to proceed.
The Bombay Parsi Punchayet has begun registering tenancy agreements for flats in its housing colonies.
The first deeds were registered Tuesday, and the first phase covers flats allotted free of cost.
Three trustees oppose the policy, citing the lack of a comprehensive written framework and possible inequities.
Chairman Viraf Mehta says the decision followed due diligence and was approved by a majority of trustees.
The BPP says about 1,500 flats are allotted free and around 400 are provided on a deposit basis.
- Who
- The Bombay Parsi Punchayet, chaired by Viraf Mehta, and residents of its housing colonies; three trustees oppose the policy.
- What
- The trust has begun registering tenancy agreements for colony flats.
- Where
- The Bombay Parsi Punchayet’s housing colonies in Mumbai.
- When
- The first tenancy deeds were registered on Tuesday; the board resolution was approved on June 9.
- Why
- The trust says the tenancy arrangement is intended to protect residents and the trust from potential litigation.
Trustees opposing the policy
Trust leadership and supporters
Approval process
Trustees opposing the policy
Three trustees say the policy lacked a comprehensive written framework and that their concerns went unanswered for more than two years.
Trust leadership and supporters
Viraf Mehta says the decision followed due diligence and was approved by a majority of trustees.
Legality and next steps
Trustees opposing the policy
Adil Malia called the registrations illegal and said the trustees would take every possible action.
Trust leadership and supporters
Mehta said dissenting trustees could take the matter to court if they wished.
Effect of tenancy agreements
Trustees opposing the policy
The opposing trustees say the policy could create inequities among residents.
Trust leadership and supporters
Mehta and resident Viraf Kapadia say tenancy can protect residents’ rights and guard against potential litigation.
Key facts
- Housing inventory
- Around 4,000 housing units
- Free-allotted flats
- Around 1,500 flats across 16 colonies
- Deposit-based flats
- About 400
- First phase
- Flats allotted free of cost
- Second phase
- Deposit-based flats, subject to tax opinions
- Trustees opposing the policy
- Anahita Desai, Hoshang Jal and Adil Malia
- Stamp duty estimate
- Mehta said smaller flats would generally incur about Rs 5 lakh to Rs 7 lakh, disputing claims of Rs 20 lakh to Rs 30 lakh.
Quotes
Viraf Kapadia
Godrej Baug resident with a leave-and-licence agreement.
“Justice delayed but not denied. The community congratulates the trustees for taking the bold step in the larger interest of the Parsi community.”
freepressjournal.in
“If they see it otherwise, it is a dissent on a decision that has been passed by majority. It is up to them if they want to move the court.”
freepressjournal.in
Sources
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