The Delhi High Court has refused to stay the demolition of the Okhla Dhobi Ghat slum, directing the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) to first conduct a survey to determine residents' eligibility for rehabilitation. The DDA asserts that the area, located on the Yamuna floodplain, is not listed under the Delhi Urban Shelter Improvement Board (DUSIB) rehabilitation scheme. Similar cases in Mumbai and Chennai highlight the conflict between urban housing and environmental concerns, with courts often ruling for relocation only if due process is followed. The verdict underscores the ongoing tension between slum dwellers' rights and ecological conservation.Read more

The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has rejected a Bhubaneswar real estate developer's appeal against a show-cause notice issued by the State Environment Impact Assessment Authority (SEIAA), Odisha, for environmental violations in a housing project in Kalarahanga. SEIAA flagged non-compliance with Environmental Clearance (EC) norms, including improper DG stack height installation. The ruling halts Phase III construction (17 towers of 21 stories each) and warns of possible EC revocation. The NGT reaffirmed that challenging a show-cause notice is legally invalid, reinforcing strict environmental compliance for large-scale real estate projects.Read more

The Nagpur bench of the Bombay High Court has ruled that tenants in illegally constructed buildings cannot challenge demolition notices issued under Section 53 of the Maharashtra Regional and Town Planning (MRTP) Act, 1966. The court dismissed a petition by tenants opposing the Nagpur Municipal Corporation's (NMC) demolition order, emphasizing that only property owners have the right to contest such actions. Citing previous rulings, the bench reaffirmed that illegal constructions must be removed and tenants cannot obstruct lawful municipal actions. This judgment strengthens urban planning regulations and reinforces municipal authority over unauthorized developments.Read more

The Pune Cantonment Board (PCB) is drafting new building bylaws for its civil and bungalow areas, following directives from the Directorate General of Defence Estates (DGDE). Similar efforts are underway in Khadki and Dehu Road cantonments. Currently, civil pockets have an FSI of 1, and bungalow areas have 0.5, with residents advocating for higher limits. Despite a 2015 Ministry of Defence (MoD) directive for bylaw updates, approvals are still pending. A proposed merger with municipal corporations could shift building control away from the military, making it a sensitive issue. The final decision rests with the state government and MoD.Read more

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

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

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

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

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

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