Mumbai is set to achieve independence as its 59th mayor, with the mayor lottery ensuring that the The city’s highest civic position will be held this year by a woman. While the current position is largely ceremonial, the office of city mayor has a long and turbulent history dating back nearly three centuries and to a time when mayors exercised extensive judicial powers.
The term “mayor” first appeared in Bombay in 1726 with the establishment of the mayor’s courtcreated directly under the authority of the British king. The court had jurisdiction to hear and decide all civil cases arising within the city and its surrounding settlements.
In its early years, the High Court was led by lay judges and exercised broad powers, including the authority to punish offenders. The Maharashtra State Gazetteer later described this period as “one of the darkest periods in the history of British India,” citing arbitrary decision-making and lack of accountability.
Similar mayoral courts existed in Madras and Calcutta, where mayors acted not only as civic heads but also as judicial officers. In Bombay this arrangement continued until 1798.
HOW DID THE OFFICE EVOLVE OVER TIME?
In 1798, the Mayor’s Court was abolished and replaced by the Court of the Recorder of Bombay. Although the mayor continued to play a central role, the change marked an early attempt to reform the city’s administrative system.
The real push for public participation came much later, led by Indian leaders and reformers like Sir Pherozeshah Mehta, Justice KT Telang, Justice Badruddin Tyabji and Sir Dinshaw Wacha. Their efforts resulted in the Bombay Municipal Act of 1872, which for the first time introduced limited democratic control over civic governance.
Story continues below this ad.
At the first meeting of the Bombay Municipal Corporation on 4 September 1873, Captain GF Henry was elected President. Two years later, in 1875, Dossabhai Framji became the first elected Indian President of the Corporation, marking a key moment in local self-government.
Over the years, the title of civic chief changed several times. The President was later redesignated as Chairman of the Bombay Municipal Corporation. In 1931-1932, the title became His Excellency the Mayor. After India became a sovereign republic in 1950, the British honorifics were dropped and the title was simplified to mayor. Over a period of time, his powers were also gradually reduced, making him largely a figurehead.
HOW MANY MAYORS DID MUMBAI HAVE?
Since the civic body was created, the Corporation has had 18 presidents, 46 presidents and 77 mayors.
Despite this long history, only seven women have held the position of mayor. Sulochana Modi was the first female mayor of Bombay and held the position for just over five weeks, from February 23 to March 31, 1956.
Story continues below this ad.
The mayor’s chair has also been occupied by several prominent political figures, including Sir Pherozeshah Mehta, Vithalbhai Patel, Yusuf Meherally, Sir Homi Mody, KF Nariman, HM Rahimtoola and SK Patil.
WHAT IS THE MAYOR DOING TODAY?
The mayor plays two main roles in the city. One is administrative. The mayor presides over the meetings of the Municipal Corporation, ensures the proper development of the debates and guides the councilors on rules and procedures.
The other role is ceremonial. As the city’s first citizen, the mayor represents Mumbai at official events, welcomes visiting dignitaries and acts as the public face of the civic body.
The mayor is elected by the councilors from among themselves. By convention, the office holder is expected to stay above party politics, avoid controversy and help ensure the smooth running of the Corporation.
Story continues below this ad.
While the mayor does not have significant executive powers, the individual’s political position and public image have often influenced civic politics in Mumbai, at least in the past, giving the office an importance that goes beyond its formal authority.