Law & Policy

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Andhra Pradesh eases building rules, allows 5-story projects without approval

The Andhra Pradesh government has introduced new regulations permitting builders to construct up to five-story buildings without prior town planning approval. Builders can begin work upon submitting applications and paying fees to municipal bodies, streamlining the process and addressing delays in obtaining permits. While offering flexibility, the policy enforces strict adherence to submitted plans, with penalties for deviations. Municipal commissioners are empowered to issue stop-work orders for significant violations. The move aims to boost the construction sector amid rising costs and labor shortages, potentially driving economic growth and setting a precedent for building regulation reforms in other states....

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Karnataka High Court denies land restoration to SC grantees citing 12-year delay

The Karnataka High Court has upheld the denial of land restoration to the heirs of Lakshmaiah, a Scheduled Caste member who was granted land in 1981, citing an unreasonable 12-year delay in seeking restitution after its transfer in 1995. The court emphasised the importance of timely legal action, referencing precedents like the Nekkanti Rama Lakshmi case, which rejected a 25-year delay in land disputes. While the Karnataka SC/ST Act was recently amended to remove time limits for land restoration, this ruling highlights ongoing challenges in balancing the rights of original grantees with those of subsequent owners. The decision underscores the need for timely legal recourse in property disputes....

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Uttar Pradesh government to streamline township handovers ensuring better services for residents

The Uttar Pradesh government is working to address long-standing delays in township handovers from private developers to local civic bodies. Currently, residents face poor maintenance and dual charges due to incomplete transfers. A meeting in Lucknow with representatives from cities like Ghaziabad and Kanpur will focus on standardizing the process. The Ghaziabad Development Authority's recent handover of Indirapuram after a 7-year delay highlights the challenges. A planned committee will develop SOPs to ensure smoother transitions, reducing resident burdens and improving services. This initiative aims to enhance transparency, accountability, and management across townships statewide....

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Hubballi-Dharwad Municipal Body to inspect Aryabhata Tech Park over land misuse claims

The Hubballi-Dharwad Municipal Corporation (HDMC) has launched an inspection of Aryabhata Tech Park in Navanagar following complaints of improper land utilization by ten IT-BT companies. Spread across 26 acres, the park was allotted in two phases for industry development, but concerns have arisen over companies not meeting investment and employment commitments. A house committee, including senior HDMC officials, will investigate compliance with operational timelines and job creation goals. Companies like Diksha Technologies and Ion Idea Enterprises Solutions have faced scrutiny for underutilizing or returning land. HDMC aims to ensure accountability, improve infrastructure, and attract more companies to position Hubballi as a tech hub....

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Telangana RERA fines Paradise Peak INR 11.5 lakh for failing to register its real estate project

The Telangana Real Estate Regulatory Authority (TG RERA) has fined Paradise Peak Private Limited INR 11.5 lakh for failing to register its 12-acre layout project, violating the Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act. The penalty followed a complaint by buyer M Santhosh, who highlighted irregularities and ongoing disputes between the landowner and developer. TG RERA barred the developer from advertising, marketing, or selling plots until the project is registered and ordered compliance within 15 days. Chaired by N Satyanarayana, TG RERA emphasized safeguarding buyers and enforcing transparency in Telangana's real estate sector....

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Kerela: Maradu demolition sparks inquiry into future construction and CRZ compliance

The demolition of four flat complexes in Maradu, Kerala, due to Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) violations has displaced 343 families and stalled new investments in the area. An amicus curiae, Gaurav Agarwal, visited the site under Supreme Court orders to assess permissible future construction. Maradu municipality chairman Antony Ashamparambil criticised the lack of housing solutions for displaced families and the government's inaction against former panchayat president K.A. Devasia, implicated in approving illegal constructions. The crisis highlights the need for stricter enforcement of CRZ rules and sustainable urban planning. Stakeholders await actionable recommendations from the inquiry to rebuild trust and resolve housing issues....

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Bengaluru: BBMP to demolish 29 illegal buildings in South Bengaluru for plan violations

The Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) has ordered the demolition of 29 buildings in the south zone, including areas like VV Puram, Vidya Peeta, and Hombegowda Nagar, citing gross deviations from approved construction plans. Violations include unauthorized floors and unapproved structures, breaching municipal regulations. This crackdown, directed by South Zone Commissioner Vinoth Priya R, is part of BBMP's broader efforts to tackle unregulated developments across the city. The initiative aims to enforce compliance, promote sustainable urban growth, and serve as a warning to developers and property owners flouting regulations, emphasizing adherence to legal construction norms....

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Bombay HC issues notices over RMC plant in SGNP eco-sensitive zone in Thane

The Bombay High Court has issued notices to the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB), Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA), and Thane Municipal Corporation (TMC) following a public interest litigation (PIL) filed by Thane residents. The PIL challenges the construction of a ready-mix cement (RMC) plant located within the eco-sensitive zone (ESZ) of Sanjay Gandhi National Park (SGNP). The petitioners argue that the plant could cause significant air and noise pollution, negatively impacting both local residents and wildlife. The authorities have been asked to file their responses within three weeks, with a further hearing scheduled for mid-January....

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Noida: Over 4,000 homebuyers in limbo as Uttar Pradesh Pollution Control Board halts 4 residential projects

The Uttar Pradesh Pollution Control Board (UPPCB) has halted construction on four Noida residential projects-Ascon Pride Villa, Purushottam Estate, Dwarika City, and Sahara Enclave�due to missing environmental clearances, affecting over 4,000 homebuyers. Triggered by an NGT complaint, inspections revealed unauthorized construction across 18 villages in Noida and 55 in Greater Noida. Builders also lacked layout approvals, jeopardizing buyers' investments. The UPPCB has issued closure orders and plans further inspections, including checks for illegal borewells. The situation underscores the urgent need for stricter regulatory enforcement and sustainable development practices in rapidly urbanizing regions....

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Hyderabad: GHMC launches portal to combat 250k illegal construction cases

Hyderabad's illegal construction crisis, with 250,000 writ petitions in five years, has prompted the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) to introduce an online portal for tracking violations. This tool will enable citizens to report unauthorized structures and monitor actions from complaints to demolitions. Responding to Telangana High Court directives, GHMC plans stricter enforcement, including criminal charges and fines of up to 400% for violations. Collaboration with the Stamps and Registration Department will flag properties with 'unauthorized construction' on encumbrance certificates, deterring buyers. Public awareness campaigns and SOPs aim to reduce unauthorized expansions and safeguard Hyderabad's urban growth and infrastructure....