On Friday, the Bombay High Court, comprising Justices Girish S Kulkarni and Advait M Sethna, mandated the Maharashtra government to establish an expert panel within four weeks to conduct a performance audit of the Maharashtra Slum Areas (Improvement, Clearance and Redevelopment) Act, 1971. This review aims to enhance the effectiveness of the Act and work towards the ambitious goal of a slum-free Mumbai and other major cities in Maharashtra. The court's directive follows a Supreme Court order to assess the implementation of the Act, which has been pivotal in the vertical expansion of Mumbai but has faced criticism for delays in slum rehabilitation projects. The court expressed concern that the current approach to town planning has taken a backseat, particularly regarding public lands. It stressed the need for a systematic and scientific approach to eliminate slums, stating that while it is a challenging task, it is achievable with determination from authorities. The court also suggested the creation of a specialized corporation for slum redevelopment to alleviate the burden on existing authorities under the Slum Rehabilitation Authority (SRA). The court's observations reflect a deep commitment to improving the living conditions in Mumbai, emphasizing that the city's aspirations must align with contemporary urban planning standards.