Supreme Court defers hearing in Dharavi redevelopment case between Adani and Seclink to December

The Supreme Court on Thursday, November 13, deferred the hearing in the long-running dispute over the ₹20,000 crore Dharavi Redevelopment Project to the first week of December.

The bench, led by Chief Justice of India BR Gavai, observed that “hearing the case is not an issue, but writing the judgment is,” noting that his retirement is due on November 23, 2025.

The case involves a challenge by Seclink Technologies Corporation, a Seychelles-based firm, to the Maharashtra government’s decision to award the massive slum redevelopment project to the Adani Group.

During the hearing, Adani’s counsel argued that Seclink was pursuing damages through arbitration proceedings under the India–Seychelles Bilateral Investment Treaty while simultaneously contesting the tender award before the Supreme Court. “How can Seclink claim damages and at the same time challenge the tender process?” Adani’s counsel submitted.

Seclink, however, maintained that its arbitration claim for damages against India was independent of its legal challenge to the award of the project.

Read more: SC asks HCs to create dashboard on websites giving details of verdicts delivered

The company reiterated that its bid of ₹7,200 crore was higher than Adani’s, yet it was rejected by the Maharashtra government.

The court will now take up the case in the first week of December.

The Dharavi Redevelopment Project, one of India’s largest urban renewal initiatives, aims to transform Mumbai’s sprawling slum cluster into a modern integrated township.

The project was initially awarded to Seclink in 2019, but the tender was later scrapped and reissued, with the Adani Group emerging as the highest bidder in 2022.

Seclink challenged the re-tendering process, alleging irregularities and violation of due process.