Dharavi Redevelopment Dispute: SecLink Drags Maharashtra to Arbitration, Disputes Adani’s ₹5,069 Crore Contract

As per the news reports, Seychelles-based Seclink Technologies has moved forward with arbitration proceedings in the UAE against the Maharashtra government over its bid for the Dharavi Redevelopment Project. 

This follows a series of legal setbacks for Seclink in India, most notably the Supreme Court's decision in March 2025 to allow construction work to proceed, despite Seclink's objections. Seclink was previously displaced by Adani Properties after the government retendered the project, despite being the highest bidder in 2018.

Tender Timeline and Retender Process

In 2018, Seclink Technologies emerged as the highest bidder for the Dharavi Redevelopment Project with an offer of ₹7,200 crore. However, the Maharashtra government decided to cancel the 2018 tender process and retender the project in 2022, citing changed conditions. 

In the new round, Adani Properties secured the project with a ₹5,069 crore bid. This move has triggered ongoing legal challenges from Seclink, which claims it was unfairly displaced by the revised terms.

Legal Developments and Court Rulings

Seclink’s challenge to the government's decision has faced several legal setbacks. In December 2024, the Bombay High Court upheld the government's decision to cancel the 2018 process and reaffirmed Adani's 2022 win. The court rejected Seclink's claims that the tender was manipulated or arbitrary. 

Subsequently, in March 2025, the Supreme Court issued notices to both the Maharashtra government and Adani but refused to halt construction, allowing the project to continue. The Court did, however, direct that all payments be routed through a single escrow account pending further proceedings.

Read More: Adani Enterprises Seeks Approval to Borrow ₹16,500 Crore From Subsidiary Adani Infra!

Seclink’s Arguments and Position

Before the Supreme Court, Seclink argued that the cancellation of the 2018 tender was unfair, particularly since it was the highest bidder at that time. The company indicated it was willing to enhance its ₹7,200 crore bid by 20% to demonstrate superior value. 

However, the Court took note of ongoing construction and demolition at the site, further complicating Seclink’s position. The court’s decision allowed work to continue but requested Seclink to submit a detailed affidavit outlining the improved terms it was proposing.

Maharashtra’s Justification for Retender

The Maharashtra government defended its decision to cancel the 2018 process and retender the project by citing changed economic conditions, including the impact of COVID-19, geopolitical instability, currency fluctuations, and interest rate changes. The Bombay High Court agreed with the state's reasoning, finding that the decision to award the project to Adani Properties was neither arbitrary nor unfair. This has been a crucial point in the ongoing legal proceedings.

What’s Next for the Dharavi Redevelopment Project?

As Seclink pursues arbitration in the UAE, litigation continues in India, with the project proceeding under judicial oversight. The Supreme Court’s directives, including the escrow account to track financial flows, aim to ensure transparency and safeguard the interests of all parties involved. 

Further hearings are scheduled, and Seclink’s challenge, both on legal and commercial grounds, remains to be fully adjudicated. The outcome of these proceedings could have significant implications for the future of the Dharavi redevelopment and similar high-profile infrastructure projects.

Conclusion

The Dharavi Redevelopment Project continues to be at the centre of legal and commercial tensions. With Seclink taking the Maharashtra government to arbitration in the UAE and ongoing litigation in India, the situation remains fluid. The Supreme Court’s oversight ensures that work on the site continues, but the final resolution of this dispute is still to be determined. As more developments unfold, all eyes will be on how this complex legal and commercial challenge progresses.

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