01 May 2025

The Haryana government's directive, which gave Real Estate Regulatory Authority (RERA) officials direct recovery powers similar to revenue officers, was declared invalid by the Punjab and Haryana High Court earlier this week. The court determined that this move contravened the Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act, 2016, which delineates RERA's role as primarily adjudicatory. The state's notification, issued in May 2024, was challenged by a real estate firm in June 2024, leading to this landmark judgment. The court emphasized that enforcement of dues must align with the Haryana Land Revenue Act, 1887, necessitating the involvement of designated revenue officers.Read more

01 May 2025

The Odisha Real Estate Regulatory Authority (ORERA) is on the brink of closure as two of its remaining members are set to retire in May. With the premature departure of the chairperson earlier this year, the authority is now operating with reduced capacity. The Odisha Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act, 2016 mandates that the government initiate recruitment processes before such positions become vacant. While advertisements have been published for the two member positions, only one meeting was held in March to select a new chairperson.Read more

01 May 2025

In a bid to make redevelopment more affordable for residents of aging cessed buildings in Mumbai, the Maharashtra Housing and Area Development Authority (MHADA) has slashed the charges for additional space to 100% of the ready reckoner rate (RRR), down from 110%. This policy applies to beneficiaries of the December 2023 housing lottery and aims to accelerate urban renewal. The move also covers tenants in stalled redevelopment projects and those in unsafe buildings, offering compensation and inclusion in official lists. With this initiative, MHADA hopes to revive stalled projects and improve housing conditions for residents in old neighborhoods.Read more

01 May 2025

Maharashtra has launched its first online Transferable Development Rights (TDR) exchange, a move to streamline urban planning and development. Inaugurated on April 25, 2025, by Chief Minister Shri Devendra Fadnavis and Deputy Chief Ministers Shri Eknath Shinde and Shri Ajit Pawar, the digital platform simplifies the buying and selling of TDRs, crucial for developers to build beyond standard limits. The e-TDR system, developed by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), ensures transparency by digitizing Development Rights Certificates (DRCs), with financial transactions handled through the State Bank of India. This initiative aims to democratize access, reduce intermediaries, and enhance efficiency in urban development.Read more

01 May 2025

The anti-encroachment department conducted a drive under the direction of Additional Commissioner (2) Dr. Rahul Gethe and Assistant Commissioner (Encroachment) Mr. Bhagwat Doifode by the directives from Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation Commissioner Dr. Kailas Shinde. The drive, aimed at removing homeless encroachments, led to the eviction of 48 homeless individuals near L&T Bridge, Sector-42, Seawoods, Navi Mumbai. The action was overseen by Assistant Commissioner Dr. Amol Palve and involved a team including engineers, staff, and police personnel. The municipal corporation has stated that such actions will continue in the future.Read more

01 May 2025

The Madhya Pradesh High Court has intervened in a land dispute in Bhopal's Aishbagh area, ordering a status quo on a 12,000 sq ft plot originally reserved for public use. The land, part of a colony developed by the Madhya Pradesh Housing Board and later transferred to the Bhopal Municipal Corporation (BMC) for maintenance, has been allegedly encroached upon by BMC and other state departments. Structures including a BMC office, an anganwadi center, and a health department office have been established on the plot. A petition filed by local resident Nisar Khan highlighted these encroachments and raised concerns over plans to convert part of the land into a dumping yard. The High Court has issued notices to the involved parties and maintained the current state of the land until further proceedings.Read more

30 Apr 2025

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has uncovered a significant land scam in Goa, involving the illegal acquisition of properties valued at over INR 1,000 crore. The operation included multiple raids across locations such as Anjuna, Assagao, and Arpora. The main accused, Rohan Harmalkar, allegedly led a conspiracy involving forged documents and manipulated land records. The ED has provisionally attached assets exceeding INR 600 crore and filed a prosecution complaint against 36 individuals under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). This investigation follows earlier actions, including the attachment of 31 properties valued at INR 39 crore in November 2023.Read more

30 Apr 2025

Ansal Properties and Infrastructure Ltd (API) is facing a growing legal battle in Lucknow, with five new FIRs filed for allegedly defrauding customers of INR 5.78 crore. These cases involve the sale of government land using forged documents, with some buyers having paid large sums for properties that were never delivered. This brings the total number of ongoing investigations in Lucknow to approximately 70. Authorities have initiated further action, including an inquiry by the Enforcement Directorate under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) and concerns raised by the Lucknow Development Authority over the company's failure to develop promised infrastructure.Read more

30 Apr 2025

The Maharashtra Revenue Department has revealed a delay in the implementation of the 'One State, One Registration' scheme, which was expected to simplify property registration across the state. Initially scheduled to begin by the end of April, the scheme aims to allow residents to register properties at any sub-registrar office. However, the launch has been postponed due to unforeseen technical challenges. Officials are working to resolve these issues, but a new timeline for the rollout has not been confirmed.Read more

30 Apr 2025

The Gujarat government has introduced a relaxation in the liquor consumption rules within GIFT City in Gandhinagar, aiming to attract more businesses and professionals to the region. The new regulations allow employees to apply for temporary or group liquor permits without requiring endorsement from their employers. This move, which builds on the 2023 policy that permitted alcohol consumption in designated areas of GIFT City, is expected to enhance the city's business-friendly environment. Industry leaders have welcomed this development, viewing it as a strategic step to foster growth and investment.Read more