22 Oct 2024

The Allahabad High Court has stayed the Noida Authority's denial of construction permits to Satya Homes Pvt Ltd and others, instructing the Authority to reconsider the applications following proper legal procedures. The court highlighted that blanket restrictions without valid justification were not permissible. A fresh site inspection is to be conducted in November, with a report due by mid-November, allowing affected parties to raise objections before the next hearing scheduled for December.Read more

21 Oct 2024

A Delhi court has upheld a lookout circular (LOC) against Geetamber Anand and his wife Poonam, promoters of ATS Infrastructure Limited, following multiple FIRs alleging fraud against homebuyers and money laundering. The judge noted that while the couple had cooperated with the investigation, the LOC serves to prevent any obstruction of justice. He also emphasised the necessity of informing accused individuals of reasons behind travel restrictions.Read more

21 Oct 2024

The Haryana Real Estate Regulatory Authority (H-RERA) has issued 207 arrest warrants against 20 developers for failing to compensate homebuyers affected by delays in flat deliveries. Despite these orders, police have not enforced them, prompting H-RERA to approach the Punjab and Haryana High Court. Contempt proceedings are now underway in three cases against police due to this inaction. H-RERA's adjudicating officer, Rajender Kumar, emphasized the impact on thousands of homebuyers, while affected residents expressed frustration over the system's ineffectiveness in holding developers accountable. DCP Arpit Jain acknowledged the issue, stating that action would follow if court notices are received. H-RERA's appeal to the high court highlights the need for stronger regulatory enforcement to ensure justice for homebuyers and uphold faith in the real estate sector's regulatory framework.Read more

21 Oct 2024

The Bombay High Court has invalidated the Bank of India's designation of Pune Buildtech Pvt Ltd as 'fraud' and its related blacklisting, which restricted the firm's credit access. Additionally, the court ordered the bank to remove Pune Buildtech from its 'wilful defaulter' list and retract any reports sent to Credit Information Companies. This decision followed the firm's full settlement of INR 703.35 crore with the bank in June 2024, after which the bank issued a 'No Dues Certificate.' Despite this, the bank maintained the 'fraud' label, prompting the court to emphasize the importance of honoring consent terms, particularly after a one-time settlement (OTS) was reached. This ruling clears Pune Buildtech's path to restore its reputation and reaccess credit, highlighting the critical role of transparency and adherence to agreements in banking.Read more

21 Oct 2024

The Supreme Court has requested responses from the central government and key authorities on a plea challenging unauthorized constructions on riverbeds, floodplains, and catchment areas. Led by Chief Justice D Y Chandrachud, a bench issued notices to various ministries and agencies, with a three-week deadline for replies. Filed by former IPS officer Dr. Ashok Kumar Raghav, the plea calls for demolishing illegal constructions and implementing the 2015 draft River Conservation Zone (RCZ) Regulation to protect river ecosystems. Representing the petitioner, Advocate Akash Vashishtha emphasized the environmental risks of floodplain encroachment. With India facing a water crisis, as highlighted by Niti Aayog, the plea seeks legal protections for rivers to secure water and ecological stability. The court's involvement underscores the urgent need for sustainable water management.Read more

21 Oct 2024

The new Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana-Urban 2.0 (PMAY-U 2.0) has introduced a significant change in the interest subsidy structure for affordable housing, limiting the subsidy to a single claim per property. This restriction could deter potential buyers from purchasing homes that have already availed of the subsidy, leading to a decline in resale activity. Primary lending institutions (PLIs) are mandated to ensure that previous owners do not benefit from the subsidy, creating additional challenges in the resale market.Read more

18 Oct 2024

The Goa revenue department has announced plans to revise land rates after a four-year interval, aiming to capitalise on the growing interest from high-net-worth individuals. A committee has been established to analyse and recommend updated base rates for various land categories, while ensuring ease of business in the registration process. Following a significant increase in property rates in coastal talukas, this initiative seeks to enhance government revenue and streamline property transactions.Read more

18 Oct 2024

The Registrar General and Census Commissioner of India has imposed a December 31 deadline for any changes to the boundaries of administrative units, enabling the Bhajan Lal Sharma government to dissolve new districts formed under the previous Congress administration. The census office has indicated that boundaries will be frozen starting January 1, 2025. Following this announcement, the government is considering merging smaller districts such as Dudu, Khairthal-Tijara, Kekri, Salumber, Sanchore, and Shahpura. A cabinet sub-committee, led by Madan Dilawar, is reviewing the creation of 17 districts established by the Ashok Gehlot government.Read more

18 Oct 2024

In response to a Supreme Court directive earlier this year, the Haryana government is grappling with defining the Aravali Hills. The Department of Town and Country Planning has raised concerns over the need for comprehensive mapping before establishing a definition. The forest department highlighted the lack of high-resolution imagery, proposing collaboration with agencies for better satellite data. Compounding the issue, past agreements on the Aravali definition have yet to reach a consensus among the four states involved. As the Supreme Court prepares for a hearing, analysts suggest that political motives may be hindering progress towards adequate environmental protections.Read more

18 Oct 2024

The BBMP has uncovered 148 new illegal paying guest (PG) accommodations in the past month, raising the total to 2,330. Of these, 658 violate regulatory guidelines, with the east zone reporting the highest number of unauthorized PGs. Recent incidents, including a murder in Koramangala, have heightened concerns about safety. In response, the BBMP and police introduced new guidelines, as residents in east and Mahadevapura zones call for stricter actions. Authorized PGs also face scrutiny, with 595 out of 2,180 registered PGs found non-compliant. Special Commissioner Suralkar Vikas Kishore emphasized the need for intensified inspections and enforcement.Read more