15 Apr 2024

The Haryana Real Estate Regulatory Authority (HRERA) has rejected an application by Godrej Developers and Properties LLP seeking extension of registration for their Godrej Air Phase 4 housing project in Sector 85, Gurugram. The original registration granted in 2018 was valid till 2023. However, deficiencies were observed in the extension application regarding project details and documents. Despite reminders by the authority, the deficiencies were not rectified. In February 2024, HRERA issued a final notice and has now rejected the application. It has also warned against third-party rights and advised caution for people to make any bookings. Godrej Developers said they are responding to queries and will make representations to set aside the order.Read more

15 Apr 2024

The National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission (NCDRC) has ruled that obtaining an occupancy certificate is irrelevant for builders if possession of the property is delayed beyond the agreed timeline. This ruling came while ordering a full refund for a homebuyer in Bengaluru, even though possession was being offered. The homebuyer had booked an ultra-luxury apartment worth over Rs. 6.8 crore in 2015 with scheduled possession in October 2016. However, possession was only offered in 2020, over three and a half years later. Rejecting the builder's arguments, NCDRC stated the date of receiving occupancy certificate does not matter to homebuyers if possession is not given on time. It ordered the builder to fully refund the deposited amount along with interest, noting inordinate delay in possession of over three years.Read more

12 Apr 2024

From May 1st, businesses in Mumbai face double property tax penalties if they lack Marathi signage on storefronts. The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation has already inspected 87,000 shops, issued 3,000 legal notices, and fined 343 businesses a total of INR 32 lakh. Illuminated signs without Marathi will have licenses revoked, costing INR 25,000 to INR 1.5 lakh to renew. This enforcement follows a Supreme Court-granted two-month compliance window, which ended in November 2023. The Marathi signage requirement aims to promote linguistic diversity and inclusion, catering to the state's predominantly Marathi-speaking population. Businesses are urged to comply quickly to avoid disruptions and additional costs.Read more

12 Apr 2024

The Bombay High Court took issue with a demand of 24% interest on alleged ground rent arrears by MHADA as a condition for conveying land ownership to a cooperative society. MHADA also sought advance ground rent till 2026 totaling over INR 18 crore. The HC said the demand was unacceptable and directed MHADA to execute a land lease agreement and conveyance deed for the commercial building within three weeks. It asked MHADA to consider its observations while revising the demand legally within the next 10 weeks, failing which conveyance cannot be delayed.Read more

11 Apr 2024

The National Green Tribunal has issued notices to the UP government, Noida, Greater Noida authorities, and other bodies following a petition alleging illegal construction on farmland. The petition, filed by a former BJP councillor from Ghaziabad, highlights concerns over the encroachment of fertile farmland and unauthorised plotting in Noida and Greater Noida, prompting the NGT to schedule a hearing on July 8. The NGT's intervention underscores the need for strict enforcement of environmental regulations and urban planning to address environmental degradation and safeguard agricultural land in the region.Read more

11 Apr 2024

The Jaipur Development Authority (JDA) has introduced new regulations to deter builders from erecting high-rise buildings on narrow roads within colonies. These measures include raising completion certificate rates and earnest money required for construction work. Builders now face fees of INR 15 to INR 30 per square foot for buildings exceeding 15 metres in height. The move addresses safety concerns and road congestion arising from inadequate parking in such constructions. Additionally, rules now permit three-floor buildings on plots of 350 to 500 square metres on 60-metre-wide roads, but without ground floor parking. These changes signify the JDA's proactive approach to enhancing safety and functionality in Jaipur's residential areas.Read more

10 Apr 2024

Over 3,300 farmers in Amaravati who gave up their agricultural lands for the proposed capital city development have been left stranded without clear ownership rights to the returnable plots promised to them as compensation. Although plots were allotted to farmers by the government which acquired lands as part of the capital city masterplan, the new state government halted all land acquisition proceedings and withdrew the previous notification. While most farmers received plot registration, around 3,300 find themselves in limbo without official ownership as the government did not transfer the lands to the Capital Region Development Authority responsible for allotment and registration. The unclear legal status of the plots has impacted the farmers who are still awaiting ownership documents years after sacrificing their livelihood lands for the capital project now stalled due to shifting political priorities.Read more

10 Apr 2024

MahaRERA has directed Godrej Greenview Housing Private Limited, part of Godrej Properties, to refund more money to a homebuyer, Ajit Dabhade, who cancelled his booking in the Godrej Emerald housing project in Thane. Dabhade had booked a flat worth INR 92.17 lakh in 2019 but cancelled due to issues securing a home loan. Godrej Properties forfeited the entire initial payment amount. MahaRERA ruled this was illegal under RERA and ordered Godrej to deduct only 2% of the flat value from the refund instead of the 5% allowed in the booking form. This ensures Dabhade receives more money back. MahaRERA also clarified its directives of a maximum 2% forfeiture in cancellation cases apply retrospectively to registered projects. Consequently, Godrej Greenview must refund Dabhade's payment within 45 days after deducting 2%.Read more

10 Apr 2024

The Bombay High Court rejected a petition filed by the resolution professional of Truly Creative Developers Pvt Ltd, which is facing insolvency proceedings, to stop the Slum Rehabilitation Authority from acquiring a land parcel in Mumbai. The builder had acquired the land in the 1990s for a slum rehabilitation project but failed to complete it for over 16 years. In 2021, the slum society terminated Truly Creative as the builder and appointed a new one. The High Court observed that the resolution professional failed to explain how the land could be used to rehouse slum dwellers and deemed the petition an abuse of the legal process.Read more

09 Apr 2024

In Gautam Budh Nagar district, homebuyers witnessed an 18% revenue increase in FY24, attributed to the resumption of flat registrations in stalled projects. Previously, builders owed INR 44,700 crore to development authorities, causing registration halts. Following the Uttar Pradesh government's adoption of the Amitabh Kant committee's recommendations in December 2023, registrations resumed, bringing relief to homebuyers and boosting revenue collection. Despite missing the FY24 target of INR 4,728 crore, the department collected INR 3,585 crore, with a target of INR 4,800 crore set for FY25. Positive developments, including registrations in over 13,000 apartments, signal a brighter future for homebuyers and the real estate market.Read more