Hello Legal experts
I am making this post on behalf of one old lady (65+) and her bedridden husband. Lady works as domestic help in nearby houses and husband is at home. Both of her Daughters are married and not exactly in position to assist parents.
They are residing in approx 100 sqft room in one chawl style building under Pagadi system in suburban mumbai. There is another such building in vicinity and both buildings are owned by same person and both are in bad state due to lack for repairs.
Landlord is a renowned person in his area and does seem to have political connections. Fair market value of her property would be about 10 lakhs (plus or minus few)
Owner wants all of the tenants in both buildings to evict for redevelopment of the plot BUT he is only willing to give verbal assurances to tenant that they will get place in new building. He is refusing to sign any documents or provide any written contract or pay them rent to get another place.
Only other alternative that landlord is offering to those who cannot wait is lump sum of 3 lakhs or a residence in some remote area (I think it was Titwala). Lady can definitely not commute for her domestic work for practical reasons and it is unlikely that she will get any employment in remote area.
Few of the tenants have taken some money and abandoned building. About 70% of people (all in similar situations) are stuck with nowhere to go.
Can anyone of you lawyers help these helpless people in either getting them a fairer settlement or at least a valid documented contract instead of just verbal assurances?
Your opinions and contributions are highly appreciated.
