Law & Policy

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MREAT orders ITMC Developers to pay interest on delayed possession to homebuyers

Author : PNT Bureau

The Maharashtra Real Estate Appellate Tribunal (MREAT) recently overturned a MahaRERA decision, directing ITMC Developers to pay interest on INR 94 lakh paid by homebuyers for the Sai Sapphire project. Interest is set at 2% above SBI's highest MCLR from April 2019 until possession is handed over. The MREAT criticized MahaRERA's grace period for interest payments and clarified that the promoter could not claim Covid-related moratorium benefits, as possession was promised before the pandemic. The tribunal highlighted that an allottee's right to claim interest under Section 18 of RERA for delays in possession is absolute and cannot be undermined....

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Bengaluru PG owners seek relaxations amid new BBMP safety regulations

Author : PNT Bureau

The rising demand for paying guest (PG) accommodations in urban areas has led to regulatory challenges, especially after a tragic incident in Koramangala, which prompted the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) to introduce stricter safety guidelines. PG owners are now struggling to comply, citing high costs and operational difficulties. Key concerns include the extended 90-day CCTV footage requirement, increased space per occupant, and the cost of hiring security personnel. Many owners, already operating on thin margins, are seeking regulatory relaxations and a grace period to register their PGs, emphasising the need for a balanced approach between safety and financial sustainability....

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Pune: Pimpri Chinchwad to simplify property transactions with data integration between PCMC and IGR office

Author : PNT Bureau

Property transactions in Pimpri Chinchwad are set for a transformation as the civic administration finalises the integration of data between the property tax department and the Inspector General of Registration (IGR) office. This automation will eliminate the need for separate registration applications, expediting property transfers. Once the data is updated, owners will receive notifications to pay transfer fees online, which will be included in property tax bills if unpaid. Deputy Municipal Commissioner Avinash Shinde highlighted that this integration aims to rectify issues with outdated ownership information, ensuring accurate billing and reducing penalties for delayed payments....

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Gurugram: DTPE cracks down on illegal constructions, seals seven homes in DLF-1

Author : PNT Bureau

A DTPE team, led by Manish Yadav, sealed seven houses in DLF-1 due to illegal constructions, including unauthorized modifications despite occupancy certificates. The action followed multiple complaints from residents regarding aesthetic and safety concerns. Prior show-cause notices had been issued, but property owners failed to comply, prompting enforcement on October 21. The operation was supervised by duty magistrate ATP Anish Grover and other officials, focusing on ensuring adherence to town planning guidelines and enhancing the neighbourhood's safety and aesthetics....

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Lucknow: LDA offers festive discounts on flats, savings up to INR 2.5 lakh for homebuyers

Author : PNT Bureau

The Lucknow Development Authority (LDA) is celebrating its 50th anniversary by offering substantial discounts on flats, with direct reductions of INR 1 lakh to INR 2.5 lakh available from October 21 to December 31. Early payment incentives provide additional discounts of up to 6% for timely payments. The available flats range from 500 to 1,900 square feet and are priced between INR 23 lakh and INR 1.08 crore. Government employees can secure flats with a 25% down payment, while the general public needs to pay 35%. Properties are located in several prominent areas, including Gomtinagar and Jankipuram, aiding homebuyers in fulfilling their ownership dreams....

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Karnataka construction workers protest for pension release and better working conditions

Author : PNT Bureau

In Mangaluru, members of the Karnataka State Building and Other Construction Workers Federation protested outside Mini Vidhana Soudha, demanding that the central and state governments address various concerns affecting construction workers. District general secretary Yogesh Jappinamogaru urged the release of overdue pensions and outstanding educational financial assistance. He highlighted unsafe working conditions, particularly for migrant workers and women facing wage discrimination and harassment. CITU district general secretary Sunil Kumar Bajal condemned previous government actions that consolidated labour laws, warning that protests will escalate if demands are not met. A campaign advocating for workers' rights was also conducted in early October....

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Gurugram: DTP seals residential properties over misuse

Author : PNT Bureau

In a bid to tackle illegal commercial activities on residential plots, the District Town Planner (DTP) conducted a two-day sealing operation in South City 2 and Uppal Southend. On October 15, three properties were sealed, including two guesthouses and a basement gym. The following day, two more guesthouses and one unauthorized structure were sealed in South City-I and Greenwood City. Residents expressed relief, highlighting ongoing issues such as increased traffic and security concerns due to these establishments. The DTP plans to continue these operations to enforce regulations against the misuse of residential areas for commercial purposes....

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Supreme Court clears way for demolition of 41 illegal buildings in Nalasopara

Author : PNT Bureau

The Supreme Court has dismissed a Special Leave Petition from families residing in 41 illegal buildings in Agrawal Nagari, Nalasopara, allowing the Vasai Virar Municipal Corporation (VVMC) to proceed with demolitions. The residents, served a 24-hour eviction notice, had sought relief from the Bombay High Court, which extended the eviction deadline but did not halt the demolitions. The court noted the unauthorized constructions were erected without the necessary approvals, with part of the land designated for public projects. The civic body has requested police protection to carry out the demolitions and plans to cut off utilities to the affected buildings....

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Ahmedabad's construction site CCTV mandate faces resistance over privacy issues

Author : PNT Bureau

The Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation's (AMC) directive requiring CCTV cameras at large construction sites to monitor dust emissions has stalled due to builders' privacy concerns. As part of AMC's 'Good Construction Practices' initiative to curb air pollution, sites over 10,000 square meters were mandated to install at least four cameras with a 20-meter range and one month of backup storage. Builders, however, argue that live surveillance infringes on privacy, leading many to resist full compliance. While some have installed cameras at entry and exit points, the AMC has faced difficulties enforcing the live feed requirement. The situation highlights the challenge of balancing environmental regulations with privacy rights in the construction sector....

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Navi Mumbai police investigate land fraud case involving INR 68 lakh scam

Author : PNT Bureau

Navi Mumbai police have filed a case against four individuals for allegedly defrauding a Mumbai-based interior designer of over INR 68 lakh by falsely selling her land. The complaint, lodged at the Nerul police station, noted that one accused has died. Senior Inspector Bramhanand Naikwadi revealed that the accused sold a plot in Pali, Raigad district, to a 46-year-old victim but failed to deliver possession. Sumit Jain, who was recently murdered, is among the accused, along with real estate agent Vitthal Baban Nakde, Virendra Kadam, and Chandrakant Sawant, who allegedly impersonated the land's legitimate owner. No arrests have been made yet....