MUMBAI: The BMC has issued notices for property attachment to some of the largest property tax defaulters in Mumbai. These warnings indicate that assets may be seized and auctioned if outstanding payments are not made immediately. Notably, Raghuvanshi Mills Limited from G South ward is among the top defaulters, with arrears exceeding Rs 140 crore. Other significant defaulters include Rajhans Associates, Ashapadara Developers, Sumer Buildcorp Pvt. Ltd., DBS Realty, SD Corporation, and Galaxy Corporation, each with dues in the tens of crores, according to the civic agency.
As stated by the BMC, notices have been served under Section 203 of the Mumbai Municipal Corporation Act to large defaulters who have not paid property taxes despite having the financial means to do so. This action follows multiple reminders and warnings from the civic administration.
Additional Municipal Commissioner (City) Ashwini Joshi has instructed officials to take legal steps against those who continue to avoid tax obligations. The notices specify that if dues are not settled within the designated period, movable assets will be seized and auctioned under Sections 204, 205, and 206 of the Act. Should recovery efforts fail, the properties themselves will be auctioned.
Property tax is a crucial revenue source for the BMC, essential for funding various civic services throughout the city. Property owners are expected to pay their taxes within 90 days of receiving their bills. Officials from the assessment and collection department noted that a phased recovery process is implemented, beginning with personal follow-ups, followed by demand letters and a final 21-day notice before taking coercive action.
Despite these proactive measures, several high-value defaulters have not responded. Consequently, the BMC is pursuing attachment notices that include outstanding tax amounts and penalties. The BMC is increasing efforts to meet its property tax collection goals across Mumbai and its suburbs. Civic officials have encouraged citizens to utilize online payment options available on the BMC website to avoid any inconvenience.
The civic administration has urged defaulting property owners to settle their dues promptly to avoid seizure and auction processes.
