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• Haryana's Department of Town and Country Planning (DTCP) has initiated blacklisting proceedings against 15 architects for allegedly issuing occupation certificates (OCs) to buildings that did not comply with prescribed norms.
• The action follows inspections that found occupation certificates being granted to incomplete or non-compliant structures in licensed colonies, particularly in Gurugram.
• Authorities are reviewing a large number of OCs issued under the self-certification system and examining the role of empanelled architects.
• Officials have indicated that occupation certificates issued in violation of rules may be cancelled, while further action could be taken against those responsible.
• The move is part of a broader effort to strengthen compliance, accountability and oversight in Haryana's real estate sector.
The Haryana Department of Town and Country Planning (DTCP) has started proceedings to blacklist 15 architects for allegedly issuing occupation certificates (OCs) for buildings that were either incomplete or did not meet mandatory building norms. The action comes after inspections and investigations uncovered several instances where structures were certified as fit for occupancy despite deficiencies in construction and compliance requirements.
An occupation certificate is one of the final approvals required before a building can be legally occupied. It confirms that the construction has been completed in accordance with sanctioned plans and applicable regulations. The latest scrutiny has raised concerns over whether some buildings received occupancy clearance without meeting these requirements.
The matter came to light after inspections carried out by enforcement authorities and the Chief Minister's Flying Squad in licensed colonies across Gurugram. During the inspections, officials reportedly found cases where occupation certificates had been issued even though construction work remained incomplete. In some properties, deviations from approved building plans and other violations were also detected.
The architects under scrutiny were part of Haryana's self-certification framework, under which empanelled professionals are authorised to certify compliance and issue occupation certificates for certain categories of buildings. The system was introduced to simplify approvals and reduce delays in the certification process. However, officials believe that misuse of the mechanism in some cases may have resulted in approvals being granted without proper verification.
According to the investigation, authorities are examining whether the architects fulfilled their responsibilities before issuing the certificates. If violations are established, the architects could be blacklisted and may also face action through the relevant professional bodies. Officials are additionally reviewing the validity of occupation certificates that were issued in the identified cases.
The department is also carrying out a wider examination of occupation certificates granted under the self-certification route. Reports indicate that a large number of OCs issued in recent months are being scrutinised to determine whether buildings complied with planning, structural and safety requirements at the time of certification.
The action follows a series of enforcement measures undertaken by the Haryana government in recent years to address irregular construction and approval practices. Earlier investigations had led to notices being issued against architects and property owners in cases involving unauthorised construction, deviations from approved plans and improper certification of buildings.
Real estate experts note that occupation certificates play a critical role in safeguarding homebuyers and residents, as they confirm that a project has met regulatory requirements before occupancy. Any lapse in the certification process can create legal, safety and compliance concerns for property owners and residents.
The ongoing review is expected to strengthen accountability within the approval process and ensure that self-certification mechanisms function as intended. Authorities have maintained that compliance with approved plans and building regulations remains mandatory, regardless of the approval route used.
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