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The Special Investigation Team (SIT) has arrested a senior city survey officer and a clerk in Goregaon, Mumbai, for allegedly manipulating land records to enable illegal property transfers. The officials reportedly altered ownership details to benefit private parties, leading to financial losses and legal disputes for genuine owners. This case highlights the growing issue of land fraud in Mumbai, especially in high-demand areas like Goregaon. Similar scams have surfaced in Bengaluru and Hyderabad, prompting stricter government measures like digitization and blockchain-based land records to prevent corruption and ensure transparency in property transactions.
Assam Chief Minister Shri Himanta Biswa Sarma has launched the distribution of sanction letters to 3.88 lakh families under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana-Gramin (PMAY-G) scheme, aiming to complete construction within a year. This initiative focuses on providing safe, quality housing for rural, economically weaker sections. Funds will be disbursed in phases directly to beneficiaries' bank accounts, with strict monitoring through digital platforms to ensure transparency. The government is also integrating water and electricity connections through schemes like Jal Jeevan Mission and Saubhagya Yojana. Assam's efforts mirror best practices from other states, aiming for timely, corruption-free implementation.
CIDCO has allocated 7,850 flats under its mass housing scheme across five nodes Taloja, Kharghar, Kalamboli, Ghansoli, and Dronagiri in Navi Mumbai. The draw, aimed at economically weaker sections (EWS) and lower-income groups (LIG), was conducted for nearly 1.24 lakh applicants. The scheme offered 5,300 flats under the EWS category and 2,500 under the LIG category, priced between INR 18 lakh to INR 31 lakh. CIDCO also offered a 5% rebate on the base cost for immediate payment. Successful applicants must pay 25% within a month and the remaining balance as per a 7-year schedule. CIDCO has tied up with several banks and NBFCs to facilitate loans for the buyers.
The Supreme Court of India clarified that once the government acquires land for public purposes under its sovereign power, any third-party rights created thereafter hold no legal standing. The ruling, delivered by a bench comprising Chief Justice Sanjiv Khanna and Justice Sanjay Kumar, established that public bodies benefiting from such acquisitions cannot enter into private agreements to reverse the process. This decision aims to address longstanding delays in key infrastructure projects, particularly national highways, where litigation over acquired land has impeded progress. The judgment reinforces the government's exclusive authority over compulsory acquisitions.
Rajasthan's Minister of State for Urban Development, Shri Jhabar Singh Kharra, confirmed that all urban land use changes in the past three years adhered to Jodhpur High Court directives. Amendments to the Rajasthan Urban Land Use Change Rules-2010 have empowered the State-Level Land Use Change Committee to approve changes while maintaining legal compliance. The government has also introduced administrative fees for land use modifications to prevent arbitrary approvals. With new rules ensuring transparency, Rajasthan's urban planning aims to balance legal mandates with development needs, reinforcing the importance of structured urban growth.
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The Bombay High Court has dismissed a petition by stable owners in Versova, Mumbai, allowing the long-pending Ramdas Nagar slum rehabilitation project to proceed. The petitioners, occupying the land for over six decades, challenged eviction notices issued by the BMC in 2024. However, the court ruled that unauthorized occupants cannot dictate terms to landowners or developers. The decision accelerates the redevelopment plan led by One Stop Business Services LLP, which had faced delays due to resistance from 11 remaining structures. This ruling reinforces legal compliance in urban redevelopment and sets a precedent against unauthorized settlements obstructing infrastructure projects.
The Karnataka High Court has ruled that residential apartment complexes must be governed by the Karnataka Apartment Ownership (KAO) Act, 1972, and cannot form cooperative societies under the Karnataka Co-operative Societies Act, 1959, solely for property management. Justice K S Hemalekha issued the ruling in response to a petition from residents of Parkside Retirement Homes, Brigade Orchards. The court emphasized that residential apartments fall exclusively under the KAO Act if a declaration deed and bylaws are registered. This judgment ensures legal clarity for apartment governance in Karnataka, guiding developers and owners to comply with state laws rather than defaulting to cooperative society structures.
A 3,000 sqm open space in Mumbai's Vakola, initially meant for public use, has been reclaimed after a 12-year battle against illegal encroachment by hawkers. The prolonged effort, led by former corporator Brian Miranda and supported by residents and volunteers, aimed to restore the plot for community use. The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) recently demolished illegal structures on the site, which had been occupied for years. Miranda's campaign faced multiple legal and bureaucratic hurdles, including a Supreme Court ruling that reinforced the space's designation as a public amenity. The plot has now been transformed into a vibrant garden and children's play area.
The Indore Municipal Corporation (IMC) is preparing a proposed budget of around INR 8,000 crore for FY 2025-26, focusing on urban development and governance improvements. Key initiatives include constructing a new IMC headquarters, acquiring modern machinery, and restoring Bilawali Pond under the PPP model with plans for sports and leisure activities. IMC also plans to launch a digital revenue collection portal and conduct a GIS survey for accurate property tax assessments. Additional measures include developing fish parlours, treated water pipelines, and integrating advertisements from various departments. The IMC will soon issue a tender for the removal of the BRTS Corridor.
The Bombay High Court upheld the closure order against a suburban mall for failing to secure environmental clearance, highlighting the severity of its ecological impact. The court rejected the company's plea, affirming that applying for clearance under an amnesty scheme did not justify ongoing operations. It directed the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board to enforce the closure immediately. The bench ruled that pending applications did not override legal obligations, reaffirming the necessity of strict environmental compliance.
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