The Bombay High Court ruled that promoters of a Santacruz East housing society cannot proceed with additional construction based solely on a general clause in the Flat Purchase Agreement. Justice Sharmila Deshmukh emphasised that under the Maharashtra Ownership Flats Act (MOFA), 1963, explicit, informed consent from all flat buyers is mandatory for any construction beyond the original plan. The court dismissed the promoters' claim to retain Floor Space Index (FSI) rights, ruling they cannot bypass legal obligations to gain additional development rights. This judgement reinforces MOFA's provisions, ensuring transparency and protecting flat owners' rights in housing development projects.Read more

The Mormugao Municipal Council (MMC) has decided to regularise 544 housing structures allocated to municipal workers under the Economically Weaker Sections (EWS) Housing Scheme in New Vaddem, marking a historic step in Goa. Transport Minister Mauvin Godinho presented the proposal, aimed at providing legal recognition and property rights to residents who have occupied these homes for decades. This initiative not only enhances the residents' quality of life but also supports affordable housing efforts for low-income families. By adhering to the original development plans, the MMC sets a precedent for other municipalities in Goa to address housing needs systematically.Read more

Cities in Uttar Pradesh are racing to finalise their master plans using GIS technology by the December 31 deadline to qualify for financial aid from central government schemes. Out of 59 AMRUT towns, 30 have received approval, leaving 29 scrambling. The Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs emphasises integrating "blue and green infrastructure" for sustainable urban living. The upcoming AMRUT phase will focus on smaller towns, ensuring broad access to urban services. As local officials face challenges in refining plans, collaboration among stakeholders is crucial for timely submissions, marking a pivotal step towards sustainable urban development in the state.Read more

The Uttar Pradesh government is taking action against homebuyers in Greater Noida West for unauthorised groundwater extraction, issuing notices to residents of Amrapali Leisure Valley society where many have installed borewells. A penalty of INR 5 lakh is planned for the developer, Amrapali Leisure Valley Developers Private Limited, due to violations. Local authorities found that 50 villa owners have set up borewells without the necessary no-objection certificates (NOCs). While the apartment owners' association claims the developer is responsible, residents are frustrated by perceived superficial government enforcement. The issue highlights ongoing challenges in water management amid rapid urban development.Read more

The Madhya Pradesh High Court has ruled that once a land dispute is filed in a civil court, revenue courts cannot continue proceedings on the same matter. This decision arose from a case involving landowners Abhishek Nigam and Amresh Shrivastava, who faced jurisdictional conflicts after appealing to both revenue authorities and civil courts. The court emphasised the precedence of civil suits over revenue court proceedings, clarifying the legal process for land disputes. This ruling not only affects the current parties but also sets a precedent for future cases, potentially streamlining resolutions in land ownership conflicts across Madhya Pradesh.Read more

In a long-running eviction dispute, the Bombay High Court upheld the orders of the Small Causes Court to return an 800 sq ft flat in Dadar to the landlord, the late Dilipkumar Purandare. The rent for the spacious flat was INR 396.75 monthly and the State did not pay rent arrears from 1 December 1989. The court ruled that while mathematical precision is not expected in regular rent payments, the State cannot avoid paying the monthly rent for years during the pendency of the eviction suit, as per the Maharashtra Rent Control Act. Rejecting the State's and Mumbai Police Commissioner's appeals, the High Court directed them to hand over vacant possession of the flat by 30 November, ending the 20-year-old battle over the government-occupied premises.Read more

The Delhi government has launched the 'Anywhere Registration' policy, allowing residents to register property at any sub-registrar office in the city, enhancing convenience and streamlining the registration process. Announced by Chief Minister Atishi, this initiative enables online appointments at 22 offices, reducing congestion and improving efficiency. It also aims to increase transparency by empowering citizens and decreasing reliance on intermediaries. The policy will help the government monitor application flow and address issues in the registration process. This initiative is part of a broader effort to digitise public services, making property transactions smoother for residents in Delhi.Read more

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has announced plans to construct homes for individuals excluded from the Centre's Awas Yojana, emphasizing the state's commitment to addressing housing needs without relying on central government funding. A survey is underway to identify those needing assistance, ensuring that the housing project meets community needs. Additionally, over 900,000 farmers impacted by recent natural disasters will receive compensation as part of the government's relief strategy. This dual focus on housing and agricultural support reflects the state's dedication to vulnerable populations, aiming to foster stability and security amid ongoing tensions with central authorities.Read more

The Municipal Corporation of Gurugram (MCG) recently sealed an unauthorised fourth floor in Sector 52, following a complaint from a resident who reported the illegal construction. This action underscores MCG's commitment to upholding building regulations, as only three floors were originally sanctioned. Commissioner Narhari Singh Banger directed enforcement action, including penalties for unauthorised debris dumping nearby. MCG has ramped up efforts to tackle construction violations, waste management, and sewer issues, offering swift complaint resolutions through citywide camps and an online portal. This proactive approach highlights MCG's dedication to safe urban development and encourages community engagement in municipal governance.Read more

On November 29, Chief Minister M.K. Stalin virtually inaugurated 3,268 new tenements built by the Tamil Nadu Urban Habitat Development Board, costing INR 426 crore, to address the housing shortage in urban areas. These tenements are located in Chennai, Coimbatore, Erode, Kanyakumari, Thanjavur, and Trichy, providing affordable housing for low- and middle-income families. Stalin also launched six new CMDA projects worth INR 98 crore to rejuvenate lakes and enhance public spaces. Additionally, INR 156 crore was invested in new buildings for educational institutions, reflecting the Tamil Nadu government's commitment to urban development, infrastructure, and improved quality of life.Read more