The National Company Law Appellate Tribunal has asked Brookfield-backed Chronos Properties to renew its performance bank guarantee as part of its bid to acquire IL&FS’ Bandra Kurla Complex headquarters. The tribunal also restrained IL&FS from creating any third-party rights over the asset until the appeal concludes, keeping the dispute active ahead of the next hearing scheduled for early February.Read more

The Bombay High Court has questioned the BMC’s shifting stance on Mehta Mahal, a commercial building near Opera House on Charni Road. A 2021 audit rated the building as C2B, meaning it needed urgent repairs but was safe for occupants. Later, an IIT-Bombay report labelled it C1, recommending demolition, prompting the BMC to issue notices before admitting the downgrade was due to miscommunication. The court criticised the inconsistent classifications and asked the civic commissioner to review all records and explain the decisions. A hearing on January 14, 2026, will determine next steps, highlighting broader concerns about clarity and accountability in Mumbai’s building safety system.Read more

The Department of Town and Country Planning (DTCP) in Gurugram carried out a major enforcement drive earlier this week against unauthorised colonies developing close to the KMP Expressway. Officials cleared illegal plotting across nearly 8.3 acres in the Sultanpur revenue area by removing DPC structures, internal roads, boundary walls and a dealer office used to mislead buyers. The department also acted on a citizen complaint to demolish an unauthorised shop inside a Sector 50 housing society. The recent action reflects DTCP's ongoing efforts to check unapproved development along high-demand corridors.Read more

The Uttarakhand cabinet has approved a policy change allowing resorts to be built on agricultural land without requiring formal land-use conversion. The move aims to simplify approvals and attract fresh investment into the state's tourism and hospitality sector. By easing regulatory hurdles, the government hopes to encourage new resort and leisure projects, create local jobs and expand tourism beyond traditional hill stations. Officials said the decision supports plans to develop high-end hospitality offerings while leveraging Uttarakhand's natural landscapes. The policy includes safeguards to protect agricultural productivity and environmental balance, with projects required to follow specific guidelines and impact assessments. The change marks a key step in making Uttarakhand a more competitive and investor-friendly tourism destination.Read more

The Punjab and Haryana High Court has overturned the Chandigarh Housing Board's rejection of jhuggi dwellers & applications under the Chandigarh Small Flats Scheme, 2006. The court observed that applicants were denied an opportunity to be heard and notices were not issued, violating natural justice. It directed the administration and housing board to re-examine these applications and pass a reasoned decision within two months. The ruling reinforces the right to housing under Article 21 and ensures that dwellers who previously faced procedural lapses receive fair consideration for rehabilitation in Chandigarh.Read more

Bihar's Economic Offences Unit (EOU) has set up a Special Task Force (STF) to strengthen action against illegal sand mining and land mafia activities across the state. The unit will work under DIG Manavjit Singh Dhillon with SP Rajesh Kumar, four DSPs and five inspectors. The STF will focus on financial investigations, identification of illegal assets and legal action for their seizure. It will coordinate with various government departments and district authorities. A confidential public helpline has also been launched to report suspicious activities linked to mining or land dealings.Read more

The Ranchi Municipal Corporation has stepped up action against unauthorised commercial activities across the city, targeting properties operating without valid permits or land-use approvals. Municipal teams are inspecting residential and mixed-use areas where shops, eateries and offices are running without trade licences or change-of-use clearance. Notices have been issued asking violators to stop operations or apply for regularisation within set timelines, with penalties likely for repeat offences. Officials said unchecked commercial use strains infrastructure and disrupts residential neighbourhoods. While residents have welcomed the crackdown to reduce congestion and noise, some small business owners have raised concerns over compliance costs. The civic body said it will offer guidance on regularisation while ensuring zoning rules are enforced to support planned and sustainable urban growth.Read more

Bihar has introduced Bhumi Sudhar Samvad, a government initiative to speed up resolution of land disputes and enhance transparency in land records. Citizens can now present land documents for verification and correction by officials. A special monitoring team, Udan Dasta, will check for fraudulent activities in land transactions. The state has received about 46 lakh applications, resolving nearly 12 lakh cases so far. The government will also run a campaign in March to remove encroachments on state land, while officials involved in irregularities will face strict action.Read more

The Maharashtra government has ordered an inquiry into repair tenders for nearly 16,000 old cessed buildings in South Mumbai after bids were found to be 100-140% below estimated costs. Lawmakers warned that such unusually low bids could let contractors illegally add floors and profit from selling flats. Additional Chief Secretary Aseem Gupta will review the contracts, with the state confirming that any violations will lead to cancellations. The legislator also urged lifting the stay on amendments to Section 79A of the MHADA Act, which would let authorities acquire unsafe buildings. The issue is critical as many pre-1969 structures face structural risks ahead of the monsoon.Read more

Surat Municipal Corporation fined a contractor INR 5 lakh at the Dumas Seaface project for failing to implement dust control and waste management measures. The action is part of a broader inspection of 266 construction sites across the city, of which 184 were penalised, totalling INR 56 lakh. Key violations included missing shade nets and improper debris disposal, with Varachha and Sarthana zones most affected. The crackdown aims to enforce pollution norms across Surat’s construction sector, ensuring safer air quality and cleaner urban surroundings.Read more