The Bombay High Court has upheld the termination of developer Surjit Singh Arora's appointment in a prolonged legal battle over the Murugan Chawl slum rehabilitation scheme in Khar West. The court emphasized the correctness of the Slum Rehabilitation Authority (SRA) CEO and Apex Grievance Redressal Committee orders, dismissing Arora's petition and imposing a cost of Rs 50,000. The judgment underscores the devastating impact of the over two-decade delay on the slum rehabilitation scheme, labeling Arora as disinterested, negligent, and lethargic in project implementation and highlighting the need for adherence to timelines in such crucial initiatives.Read more

The Defence Estates Office (DEO) in Pune circle has found out that its historic properties are being used illegally. Issues such as the improper utilisation of residential properties for commercial purposes, unauthorised constructions, and in certain instances, the sale of bungalows to builders are in direct violation of explicit directives by the competent authority. Concerns have been raised concerning officials, builders and politicians working together to acquire old grant bungalows (OGBs). These issues raise concerns about adherence to regulations. Authorities emphasise the need for strict checks to prevent unauthorised transactions involving defence properties.Read more

The Bombay High Court has emphasised that an Occupancy Certificate (OC) cannot be granted to individual flats but is intended for the entire building. The court has temporarily halted an OC issued by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) for two flats in Quettawalla Residency, Agripada. The decision underscores the legal distinction between certifications for individual units and those applicable to the overall building structure. The ruling aims to maintain regulatory compliance and uphold the intended purpose of OCs, ensuring that certifications accurately reflect the safety and adherence to building regulations for the entire premises.Read more

Saffron Co-operative Housing Society, a developer based in Mumbai, filed a petition to ease aviation height restrictions, but the Bombay High Court rejected it, citing the indisputable nature of aviation safety regulations. In response to a petition submitted by a society member, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) withheld the occupancy certificate owing to non-compliance. Justices Gautam Patel and Kamal Khata delivered the court's verdict. The ruling mandates the developer and the housing society to reduce the building's height by 11.06 meters within six months to align with aviation safety requirements and other planning regulations.Read more

The Maharashtra Real Estate Regulatory Authority (MahaRERA) has dismissed a complaint against Macrotech Developers (Lodha) for allegedly initiating construction on open space without obtaining the required consent from two-thirds of homebuyers. MahaRERA clarified its jurisdiction, stating that it does not oversee construction beyond the boundaries of a registered project. MahaRERA emphasized that its mandate is limited to monitoring construction within registered project boundaries and highlighted the complainant's failure to provide evidence of a violation of RERA provisions.Read more

The Uttar Pradesh Real Estate Regulatory Authority (UP RERA) has issued a directive mandating housing developers to strictly adhere to selling units based on carpet area, in accordance with the Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act, 2016. The UP RERA emphasized that selling based on 'super area' is illegal and against RERA provisions. The authority also issued an advisory on payment modules, prohibiting advances exceeding 10% before the sale agreement is executed. These measures aim to enhance transparency, ethical practices, and consumer trust in the real estate sector.Read more

Residents of Bharat Nagar and Maharashtra Nagar in Bandra East have filed complaints alleging forgery and fraud in a redevelopment deal involving HDIL. They claim HDIL forged documents in 2006 to take over the slum's redevelopment rights, including creating fake sale deeds and affidavits. The complainants allege they were given temporary housing by HDIL from 2006 to 2011 but were denied rent from 2012. During a 2018 hearing, it was discovered that their documents were falsified, transferring ownership to others. FIRs were filed against HDIL's promoter and others citing criminal charges. The police are investigating to uncover the truth behind these serious allegations in the slum redevelopment scheme.Read more

The Bombay High Court has directed the Maharashtra Housing and Area Development Authority (MHADA) to proceed with the self-development proposal for 500 dilapidated buildings in Kannamwar Nagar without requiring a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the original developer. The court's decision provides relief to residents who have waited for 18 years for the redevelopment of their buildings. The Kannamwar Nagar Nagarpalika Bhadekaru Co-operative Housing Society must submit an affidavit-cum-indemnity to MHADA and ratify its April 8, 2021, resolution for self-redevelopment to fulfill the court's conditions.Read more

The Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation Limited (MMRCL) has taken a proactive step to protect water pipelines by designating a 50-meter radius around the Metro 3 project as an 'influence zone.' This measure aims to prevent potential damage to pipelines caused by unauthorized development and digging activities. Property owners, societies, and entities within this zone must obtain prior approval from MMRCL before initiating certain activities. This move follows incidents of unauthorized digging causing water pipeline leaks. MMRCL's proactive approach underscores a commitment to infrastructure protection and sustainable urban development in Mumbai.Read more

The Bombay High Court has criticized the Maharashtra Housing and Development Authority (MHADA) for hastily declaring several properties in Tardeo as dangerous without proper due process. The court's bench expressed disapproval of MHADA's reliance on visual inspections and emphasized that structurally sound buildings should not be prematurely deemed unsafe. The property owners filed petitions challenging MHADA's classification and proposed redevelopment under Section 79A of the MHADA Act. The court directed MHADA to inform all concerned parties about the structural conditions, allowing owners an opportunity to present their case. This highlights the importance of proper legal procedures in such matters.Read more