12 Mar 2025

The Maharashtra government has issued a final notification allowing the conversion of leasehold and Class II occupancy land to freehold by paying a premium of up to 25% of Annual Statement Rates (ASR). Residential landholders must pay 15% of ASR for freehold ownership. This move grants full property rights and boosts state revenue. However, stakeholders have raised concerns over exclusions, procedural hurdles, and a short application window ending December 31, 2025. The policy affects nearly two million families living on such lands for decades. Calls for amendments and extended timelines continue to ensure fair access to freehold conversion.Read more

12 Mar 2025

The Panchkula Municipal Corporation (MC) has proposed regularizing illegal colonies by offering 1-marla residential plots at 2004 collector rates to families living there for over 20 years. This plan targets settlements like Rajiv Colony and Indira Colony, ensuring residents retain their homes legally. A similar initiative is proposed for Beed-Ghaggar village, with land in Chandimandir suggested as compensation for forest land use. Additionally, four neglected residential colonies may be transferred to the MC for better maintenance. These efforts align with broader trends in Indian cities like Delhi and Mumbai, where authorities are addressing unauthorized settlements through legalization and infrastructure improvements.Read more

11 Mar 2025

Mumbai's BMC has launched a policy to convert vacant land tenancy (VLT) plots into leased properties for public purposes, aiming to boost revenue and streamline land use. Covering 3,600 VLT plots in key areas like Dadar, Sion, and Parel, the initiative seeks to prevent encroachments and optimize urban planning. The policy, expected to generate INR 2,000 crore in four years, includes a one-time premium (62.5% of ready reckoner rate) and annual ground rent. While implementation challenges remain, the BMC asserts that this move will enhance land management and contribute to Mumbai's urban transformation.Read more

11 Mar 2025

The Supreme Court has raised serious concerns over the exploitation of homebuyers in NCR, stating they have been held to ransom by builders and banks. The court has sought a CBI probe into the builder-bank nexus, particularly in subvention schemes, where banks disbursed loans to developers who later defaulted, leaving buyers burdened with EMI payments despite not receiving possession. A previous ruling in July 2024 had barred banks from taking coercive action against buyers. The case highlights the urgent need for legal protections to prevent homebuyers from being trapped in financial distress due to developer defaults and bank practices.Read more

11 Mar 2025

The Noida Authority has issued notices to developers involved in the Sports City projects, instructing them to clear all outstanding dues within a month in line with the Allahabad High Court's recent directives. The dues include pending premiums, interest on premiums, penalty interest, lease rent, the 64.7% additional compensation amount, and time extension fees. Developers failing to comply within the stipulated timeframe will face further legal action. The court has also barred developers from creating third-party rights through bookings until they complete the sports facilities as per the original project plan. Furthermore, original lessees and sub-lease holders are prohibited from selling land or altering shareholding structures until the completion of the first phase of sports facilities.Read more

11 Mar 2025

A bankruptcy court in Mumbai has granted a 90-day extension for the revival of Lavasa Corporation following an application submitted by its resolution professional (RP). The planned city project is undergoing a renewed Corporate Insolvency Resolution Process (CIRP) after the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) ordered a restart due to the failure of the successful bidder to implement the approved resolution plan on time. The company has acknowledged liabilities exceeding INR 6,642 crore, while the previous bidder, Darwin Platform Infrastructure, had proposed a payment of INR 1,814 crore. The tribunal has reinstated Shailesh Verma as the RP, and the extension will be effective from the end of February 2025 until late May 2025. The RP highlighted that significant progress has been made in the revival process, with active engagement from potential bidders.Read more

11 Mar 2025

The Rajasthan Housing Board (RHB) has formally requested the Jaipur Development Authority (JDA) to reassess its plan to construct a 100-foot-wide road linking sectors 63 and 64 of Pratap Nagar to Tonk Road. Approximately 60 homes' worth of residents objected to the demolition of their homes, which they had initially bought from the RHB. Locals argue that their 2018 Master Plan contained no provision for this road, and they accuse JDA of altering it to accommodate the project. Concerns among affected homeowners increased in the weeks following the designation of buildings for demolition.Read more

11 Mar 2025

The Telangana Real Estate Regulatory Authority (TGRERA) has ruled against a builder following multiple complaints from Rach Naveen Kumar and other flat owners of Padmasreekar Icon in Gajularamaram, Medchal-Malkajgiri. The authority directed the builder to pay a penalty of INR 4.5 lakh and rectify construction defects. Homebuyers alleged that the builder misrepresented amenities such as a play area, gym, and multipurpose hall while also failing to provide essential services like Manjeera water connection, despite collecting INR 3 lakh per flat. The builder refuted the claims, asserting that buyers were aware of the terms. After evaluating the evidence, TGRERA ordered the builder to address all issues within 60 days.Read more

11 Mar 2025

The Bombay High Court has granted the Maharashtra Housing and Area Development Authority (MHADA) approval to redevelop Motilal Nagar in Goregaon, spanning 143 acres, through a construction and development agency (C&DA). This decision follows years of legal disputes and resident opposition. The court emphasized that individual cooperative housing societies focusing solely on their interests could lead to fragmented development, hindering systematic urban planning and infrastructure upgrades. The state government has designated the project as "special," maintaining MHADA's oversight while authorizing the engagement of a C&DA due to economic feasibility. This ruling paves the way for large-scale redevelopment, addressing long-standing issues like waterlogging and infrastructure deficiencies.Read more

10 Mar 2025

The Delhi government has clarified that police permission is not required for construction activities, addressing a misconception among the public and construction community. Urban Development Additional Chief Secretary Navin Kumar Choudhary issued a circular confirming that construction is regulated by the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) under the Delhi Municipal Corporation Act, 1957, and not the police. The statement follows a review meeting led by Union Home Minister Amit Shah, reinforcing the need for better communication on urban regulations. The move aims to reduce bureaucratic hurdles, simplify urban planning, and boost ease of doing business in Delhi.Read more