Bombay High Court has ordered Mhada (Maharashtra Housing and Area Development Authority) to provide Ravindra Bhatuse with a 579-sq-ft flat within 24 hours, after waiting for alternative accommodation from the government for 48 years. The court raised the issue of the treatment of citizens by the government and expressed concern over the lack of action taken in this case. Bhatuse’s family has been waiting for assistance since 1975, when his grandfather was evicted from his room in Zenab Manzil, Byculla and sent to the Antop Hill transit camp. In 2018, he was evicted again as the transit building became dilapidated. Despite being eligible for permanent alternative accommodation since 2010, Bhatuse was not allotted premises. His advocates highlighted that no re-accommodation was given, even after repeated enquiries and representations. Finally, Bhatuse identified a 579-sq-ft flat in the 16-storey Dosti Belleza in Parel village, which was surrendered by the developer to Mhada as surplus area. Bhatuse is willing to pay for the extra area apart from the 300 sq ft he is entitled to free of cost under the state’s policy. The court directed Mhada to allot him the 579 sq ft and emphasized that justice must prevail. Bhatuse will pay for the additional 279 sq ft at the ready reckoner rate or market value, whichever is higher, within a month.