Over 50% of Maharashtra's 462 Enemy Properties Located in Mumbai as Government Prepares Public Listing for Monetization

Maharashtra has reported having 462 properties classified under the Enemy Property Act spread across 11 districts, with over half concentrated in Mumbai. State and central government authorities have announced that they will soon publish complete details of these properties for public access, marking a significant step toward transparency and potential monetization.

Comprehensive Property Database Compiled

The compilation has been prepared by the Custodian of Enemy Property for India (CEPI) in coordination with state revenue authorities. According to officials, the database includes crucial information such as the exact location of each property, ongoing litigation status, and any encumbrances affecting the assets. The public release of this information aims to enhance clarity and stimulate investor interest in these long-dormant properties.

Mumbai Accounts for Over Half of All Enemy Properties

Mumbai's dominance in the list is striking, with the properties distributed across the Island City Mumbai and Mumbai Suburban District. Mumbai and neighboring suburban areas along with adjacent districts like Thane and Palghar also host a significant number of these properties. Other districts included in the statewide count are Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar, Ratnagiri, and Jalgaon.

Among the notable Mumbai properties on the list are a landmark cinema building in Tardeo, several structures in Colaba and Parel areas, a Hollywood-era style cinema complex in Girgaum, and multi-unit properties in Kandivali, Worli, and Colaba including flats in cooperative societies. These prime locations suggest significant development and monetization potential once legal and encroachment issues are resolved.

Government Accelerates Path Toward Monetization

Authorities are actively working to remove legal obstacles that have historically prevented auctions and sales of these properties. Officials stated that encroachment removal and litigation resolution processes are being fast-tracked. Amendments to the Enemy Property Act are under consideration to simplify occupant rights and accelerate the disposal process.

The government has mandated that property lists be published on collector websites to ensure transparency. District collectors will serve as deputy custodians and will be responsible for property disclosures and regular status updates.

Legal Framework Strengthened Since 2017

Since a 2017 amendment to the Enemy Property Act, civil courts have been barred from handling disputes over these properties, and heirs cannot inherit such assets regardless of their citizenship status. These measures have significantly strengthened custodial claims. Under the planned changes, officials indicated that clarity around tenant or occupant status may be refined to encourage monetization efforts.

Potential Impact on Real Estate and Government Revenue

Industry experts note that many of these properties are situated in high-value zones, making redevelopment or repurposing a strong potential outcome for the real estate sector. The public domain disclosure of property details is expected to reduce opacity and improve auction participation, thereby boosting investor confidence.

The monetization of these land parcels offers both state and central governments a significant fiscal instrument in real estate markets. However, observers caution that resident or occupant rights, heritage considerations in Maharashtra, and precedent-setting legal decisions will influence how smoothly disposal proceedings unfold.

This massive pool of assets, once unlocked, could potentially reshape Mumbai's property landscape significantly, while simultaneously offering the government a rare stock of urban land to leverage for development purposes.

Disclaimer: This news article is based on information available from official sources and industry reports. Details regarding property status, legal proceedings, and government policies are subject to change. Readers are advised to verify information independently and consult legal experts before making any property-related decisions. The views expressed in this article are based on publicly available information and do not constitute legal, financial, or investment advice.