The Bihar state cabinet has approved several initiatives, including a scheme providing INR 1 lakh to landless families to purchase homestead land directly from private sellers. This approach addresses the challenge of private landowners' reluctance to sell at below-market rates, ensuring housing security for more families. Additionally, the cabinet increased the dearness allowance for government employees from 50% to 53%, effective July 1, to offset rising living costs. Rural infrastructure will benefit from the Rural Roads Strengthening Programme and INR 814 crore allocated for elevated roads and bridges. Investments in education and skill development, including new ITIs and a residential school, further highlight the government's commitment to holistic development.Read more

The Telangana Real Estate Regulatory Authority (TG RERA) has fined Buildox Private Limited INR 1.6 lakh and ordered the refund of INR 2 lakh to a buyer for promoting and accepting payments for an unregistered project, "The Continent," in Kondapur. The buyer, Sharath, filed a complaint after discovering the project lacked approvals and the land was under litigation. Buildox denied involvement but failed to provide evidence or comply with interim orders. TG RERA ruled the company violated Section 3 of the Real Estate Act, mandating the refund within 15 days. The case highlights the importance of transparency and regulatory compliance in real estate.Read more

The Haryana Real Estate Regulatory Authority (H-RERA) has directed Pareena Infrastructures to hand over possession of delayed units in the Micasa housing project, Gurgaon, within 30 days, providing relief to buyers waiting over four years. The ruling also mandates the developer to pay an annual interest of 11.1% for delayed possession and execute conveyance deeds within 90 days after dues are cleared. The order, prompted by a buyer's complaint, found the developer in breach of contract. H-RERA's decision reinforces accountability in the real estate sector and serves as a precedent for ensuring timely delivery and safeguarding consumer interests.Read more

The Supreme Court of India has sought a detailed report on pending housing projects in the National Capital Region (NCR), addressing concerns from home buyers affected by project delays and subsidy scheme issues. Under the scheme, banks disbursed loans to builders, but delays left buyers paying EMIs without receiving their properties. The court, led by Justices Suryakant and Ujjal Bhuyan, is investigating transactions between builders, banks, and buyers, while also reviewing project progress. Earlier, the Supreme Court halted aggressive recovery actions against buyers. This inquiry aims to enhance transparency and accountability in the housing sector, potentially offering relief to affected buyers.Read more

The Maharashtra Coastal Zone Management Authority (MCZMA) has directed the Raigad district collector to investigate alleged violations of Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) guidelines in Prime Minister's Awas Yojana (PMAY) projects in Navi Mumbai. The NarConnect Foundation lodged a complaint, citing construction near sensitive ecological zones like mangroves and mudflats in Mansarovar and Kharghar. Satellite images and photographs suggest non-compliance with environmental clearances that mandate a 50-metre mangrove buffer zone and a 100-metre setback from the creek.Read more

The Ayodhya Nagar police have filed FIRs against landlords Harisingh Yadav and Manoj Kumar Gupta for failing to complete mandatory tenant verifications, as required by Bhopal Police directives under Section 163 of the Bhopal Nagar Seva Samiti regulations. This initiative, led by Police Commissioner Harinarayanachari Mishra, aims to enhance city security by ensuring landlords provide tenant details through a police portal or local stations. Tenant verification helps prevent criminal activities and improve law enforcement response. Authorities urge landlords to comply to avoid penalties and contribute to public safety, aligning with broader national efforts to enhance urban security.Read more

The Karnataka High Court ruled that a petition against a service provider is not maintainable before the Karnataka Real Estate Regulatory Authority (K-RERA). Columbia Pacific Communities Pvt Ltd., a senior-care service provider, challenged a K-RERA order involving it in a complaint by the Serene Urbana Apartment Owners' Welfare Association against the project developer, Ozone Urbana Infra Developers. The association had included the service provider due to its role in collecting maintenance charges. Justice M. Nagaprasanna observed that the service provider's responsibilities were limited to service agreements with individual flat owners and unrelated to development issues. The court concluded that the dispute primarily involved the developer and the association, excluding the service provider from liability.Read more

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) recently returned an INR 12 crore plot of land in Chennai to its rightful owner after it was fraudulently seized and sold by land grabbers. The land was unlawfully encroached upon, and documents were forged to falsely claim ownership. The ED took action under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), following an FIR filed by the Chennai Police. The property was attached in 2017, and this action was confirmed by the PMLA Adjudicating Authority. The ED emphasised its commitment to combating financial crimes and ensuring justice for victims by recovering illegally obtained assets.Read more

Around 60 beneficiaries of the Kalaignar Kanavu Illam housing scheme in Kotagiri, Nilgiris, staged a silent protest demanding the immediate release of the first instalment of INR 75,000 for constructing their homes. Many have started construction using loans due to delays in fund disbursement, with some progressing to the lintel level. Officials had urged beneficiaries to begin construction to avoid cancellation of work orders, intensifying financial strain. Block Development Officer K Sridharan assured the protesters that funds would be released within a week, failing which they plan to escalate their demands. The protest highlights the need for efficient implementation of welfare schemes.Read more

Mumbai police have arrested estate agent Narshim Puttawallu for allegedly altering property records to enable illegal construction by Rupa and Bharat Mehta on disputed land in Malad. The case began in 2016 when landowner Vaibhav Thakur reported unauthorised construction on his ancestral plot. Investigations revealed forged documents and illegal reservation changes facilitated by Puttawallu. While charges of cheating, forgery, and conspiracy were filed against Rupa Mehta in 2021, a Special Investigation Team later identified Puttawallu's role. The case highlights concerns over fraudulent property dealings in Mumbai's suburbs, emphasising the need for stricter regulations to curb illegal construction and document manipulation.Read more