17 Dec 2025

The Supreme Court granted bail to former Dewan Housing Finance Limited promoters Kapil and Dheeraj Wadhawan in the multi crore bank loan fraud case that began with their arrest in July 2022. The court highlighted that extended pre trial detention without trial infringes personal liberty and reaffirmed that bail is the norm while custody is an exception. Bail comes with conditions, including monthly reporting to police, surrendering passports, and restrictions on travel. The trial continues, and the court warned that violations could lead to bail cancellation.Read more

17 Dec 2025

The Maharashtra Pollution Control Board has instructed the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation to implement a detailed 28-point compliance plan to address worsening air quality in Mumbai. The directive follows a recent review that showed a steady decline in air conditions, with fine particulate matter emerging as the main concern. Officials have clarified that the problem is not linked to a sudden rise in construction activity alone but is largely driven by PM2.5 from vehicles, industries, and open waste burning. The civic body has been asked to submit an action-taken report.Read more

17 Dec 2025

The Odisha Real Estate Regulatory Authority has appointed a civil engineer to strengthen technical oversight and improve transparency in the state's real estate sector. The move aims to ensure that registered projects comply with approved plans, construction standards and delivery timelines. The engineer will review structural designs, monitor construction progress and verify claims made by developers during project registration. This added scrutiny is expected to reduce delays, deviations and quality issues that affect homebuyers. The appointment will also support dispute resolution through technical assessments and site inspections. Odisha RERA said the initiative will enhance consumer protection, improve regulatory enforcement and build greater confidence in the housing market.Read more

17 Dec 2025

The central government has issued detailed guidelines to enhance safety and planning in road tunnel projects after several collapses, including the Uttarkashi incident in 2023. The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways now requires a risk register and a Geotechnical Baseline Report (GBR) at the planning stage, which must be shared with bidders during tendering. Authorities overseeing tunnel projects are accountable at all stages, supported by expert teams covering design, execution, and safety. These steps aim to reduce disputes, improve project transparency, and ensure accurate risk assessment throughout the project lifecycle.Read more

17 Dec 2025

The Jaipur Municipal Corporation has sealed six buildings in the Adarsh Nagar zone after finding they were built without required planning permissions and in breach of development norms. The action followed complaints and site inspections, which showed missing building approvals and construction beyond permitted limits under Jaipur's master plan. Civic officials issued notices seeking valid documents or regularisation, but sealed the structures when deadlines were not met. The enforcement drive aims to curb unauthorised construction that can strain infrastructure, create safety risks and disrupt planned land use. Residents have welcomed the move, and the civic body has warned that similar checks will continue across other fast-growing zones.Read more

17 Dec 2025

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) is investigating Jawad Ahmed Siddiqui, founder of Al Falah University, over 14 immovable properties and a Dubai-based jewellery business allegedly owned by him. The agency is also examining the financial dealings of 16 entities linked to the Al Falah Group. Investigators have identified contracts for construction and catering services awarded to firms associated with Siddiqui and his family. The probe also traces overseas funds, prior arrests, and links with terror modules, aiming to uncover any irregular financial transactions.Read more

17 Dec 2025

The National Green Tribunal has allowed construction to resume at a major residential or mixed-use project in Pune's Baner area, subject to strict environmental safeguards. The order requires the developer to install real-time air quality monitoring systems and make pollution data publicly available. Mandatory dust-control measures, including water sprinkling, material covering and wheel-washing facilities, must be followed throughout construction. Regular reporting to pollution control authorities has also been directed, with provisions to halt work if limits are breached. The decision balances development needs in one of Pune's fast-growing residential hubs with concerns around air quality, public health and responsible urban growth.Read more

16 Dec 2025

The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation has ordered a temporary halt to construction at the Prestige Towers project in Mahalaxmi after identifying violations of mandatory air pollution control norms. Inspections revealed inadequate dust mitigation measures, including insufficient barricading, lack of continuous water sprinkling and absence of required dust suppression systems. The civic body said these lapses could worsen air quality and pose health risks to nearby residents, commuters and on-site workers. The action is part of BMC's intensified monitoring of construction sites across Mumbai, especially during periods of high pollution. Work at the site will remain suspended until all prescribed air quality and environmental safeguards are fully implemented and verified.Read more

16 Dec 2025

The Uttar Pradesh government has waived building permit and inspection fees for small residential and commercial plots after amending state building byelaws. Under the new rules, owners constructing on residential plots of up to 100 sq m and commercial plots of up to 30 sq m will not be required to pay approval-related charges. The move aims to lower construction costs, reduce procedural delays and encourage formal development. Construction approvals will now be granted through an online deemed-approval system, provided basic norms are met. The amendments also update technical definitions to align with modern building practices. The changes are expected to benefit small homeowners, local businesses and low- to middle-income groups across the state.Read more

16 Dec 2025

The Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation has sealed six well-known eateries after inspections revealed they were operating without valid licences and mandatory approvals. The action followed routine checks and public complaints, which found gaps in trade licences, fire safety clearances and regulatory permissions. Notices were issued to the establishments, but failure to submit proper documentation led to the sealing of premises. Civic officials said the move is part of a wider enforcement drive to ensure compliance with health, safety and urban regulations. The corporation has urged all food businesses in the city to verify their licences and approvals, warning that similar action will continue to protect public health and maintain regulatory discipline.Read more