Law & Policy

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Navi Mumbai grapples with 3,500 new illegal constructions in five years

Author : PNT Bureau

Over the last five years, the Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC) has identified 3,500 illegal constructions, raising concerns about the extent of violations in the well-planned city. Data shows 534 unauthorized buildings were identified in the first ten months of this year alone, bringing the total to over 15,000. While the NMMC has taken actions, residents believe efforts remain insufficient. The surge in illegal constructions raises infrastructure strain and concerns about water scarcity. Buyers are also at risk, lured by low-priced flats lacking essential permissions....

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Greater Noida Authority instructs builders to settle homebuyer disputes

Author : PNT Bureau

During a committee meeting aimed at settling disputes between homebuyers and builders, the Greater Noida Authority addressed various concerns. Topics discussed included the timely completion of flats, the establishment of Apartments Owners Association (AOA), the transfer of Infrastructure Maintenance Fund (IFMS) funds, and the registry process for flats. The committee actively sought solutions to these issues, emphasizing the importance of a comprehensive resolution for the benefit of both buyers and builders involved in the dispute. The next committee meeting is scheduled for January 3....

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Bengaluru builder receives police notice for encroaching on local lake

Author : PNT Bureau

Bengaluru Urban police have issued a legal notice to a private builder following a criminal complaint accusing them of encroaching on Hennagara Lake in Jigani. CEO of Jigani city municipal council, Rajesh, lodged the complaint, citing violations of the Karnataka Land Revenue (Amendment) Act-2007 and IPC sections 447 and 427. An FIR has been registered. The police directed the builder's representatives to appear before them, emphasizing the need for land records and measurements. The alleged encroachment involved dumping soil and materials on the lake bed without permission. Investigations are set to accelerate pending document submission....

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Karnataka High Court mandates TDR for CDP road expansion

Author : PNT Bureau

In response to a petition from CNC Mangalore-Kavoor Project Pvt Ltd, Karnataka High Court has affirmed that authorities must acquire land owned by private individuals through Section 69 of the Karnataka Town and Country Planning (KTCP) Act, 1961. The ruling underscores the legal obligation for proper acquisition procedures, restricting the use of private land for public projects. The decision establishes a precedent for adherence to the statutory framework in land acquisition, emphasizing the importance of due process and regulatory compliance in such matters....

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NCLT accepts IIFL Finance's claim against Satra Properties as financial debt

Author : PNT Bureau

The National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) has granted approval for IIFL Finance's claim against Satra Properties as financial debt, following an insolvency resolution dispute. IIFL Finance's claim, surpassing Rs 185 crore, includes principal amounts and interest. The loan was secured through various means, including mortgages and pledges, and later Satra Properties' defaulted on these loans. Despite a consent agreement in 2019, the resolution professional rejected IIFL's claim during insolvency proceedings. NCLT's recent decision emphasizes that Satra Property Developers had agreed to mortgage its property, prioritizing proceeds for repaying IIFL Finance, reinforcing the financial nature of the claim by IIFL Finance....

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Mumbai and Pune housing societies slow to embrace self-redevelopment despite government initiative

Author : PNT Bureau

The government's initiative to expedite housing society redevelopment in Mumbai and Pune by offering quick deemed conveyance for those opting for self-redevelopment faced low interest, with none of the 716 applications filed between May and October choosing this route. Deemed conveyance, a legal document facilitating land ownership transfer to cooperative housing societies, was part of a policy introduced on May 31 to streamline the process. Challenges cited include limited availability of loans for self-redevelopment, with only one bank currently offering such loans, and reluctance among elderly or retired residents in buildings to undertake the complexities of the self-redevelopment approach....

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MHADA lottery winners seek clarity on stamp duty and registration payments

Author : PNT Bureau

MHADA lottery flat winners, receiving possession of 4,082 flats, are struggling to complete formalities due to an alleged gap in communication concerning stamp duty, registration and metro tax payments. This has resulted in long qeues at the MHADA office. Some winners also claim to lack essential details required for the eSBTR form, preventing them from completing the online process independently. MHADA officials have informed winners that they can find the requisite information on the ‘Quick Links’ section of the MHADA website or in the draft allotment letter provided to them. They have acknowledged the problem being faced and have promised to address the communication gaps that are crucial for improving the overall experience for lottery winners....

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Bengalurus BBMP aims to digitize property registers by March 2024

Author : PNT Bureau

The BBMP plans to digitize 5,100 handwritten property registers by March 2024, seeking proposals for scanning and digitization. Handwritten records are often prone to wear and illegibility. Their transition to digital format will enhance readability and longevity. The BBMP aims to complete this undertaking by March 2024, with BBMP Revenue Department officials ensuring accuracy. Outsourcing, instead of using internal teams, is now the chosen approach. The initiative, part of the Nanna Swathu program, involves door-to-door visits to digitize property records, aiming to uncover tax evasion and building violations, potentially boosting BBMP revenue. Digitizing land records curtails corruption and ensures accountability....

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Residents propose regulatory body to monitor redevelopment timelines in Maharashtra

Author : PNT Bureau

Citizens, represented by the Maharashtra Society Welfare Association (MSWA), are urging the state housing minister, Atul Save, to establish a robust monitoring system for redevelopment projects. Residents in cities like Mumbai, Pune, and Thane have expressed concerns about the lack of a monitoring mechanism for redevelopment timelines, leading to delays and legal disputes. MSWA has submitted a proposal for a regulatory authority dedicated to overseeing the redevelopment of housing societies, covering private and government structures. They hope the state government addresses this issue in the upcoming housing policy, as existing regulations like RERA do not adequately cover redevelopment projects....

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PMC dismantles illegal structures in green belt area, upholding NGT directives

Author : PNT Bureau

The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) conducted an anti-encroachment operation, demolishing 15 unauthorized structures covering 1.5 lakh sq ft along DP Road between Rajaram and Mhatre bridges. In line with National Green Tribunal (NGT) directives, PMC issued notices to establishments, including marriage halls and food joints. Approximately 6,000 cubic feet of sand removed during the operation will be used for riverbank reclamation. Responding to an NGT case, PMC filed an affidavit in October, denying permission for structures within the river's blue line. The demolition is part of PMC's commitment to environmental preservation and compliance with legal directives....