The Patna High Court has issued a directive instructing the state's Economic Offence Unit (EOU) to expedite investigations into 61 criminal cases against the Agrani Group. Flat buyers allege the real estate giant unlawfully misappropriated Rs 100 crore intended for flat bookings. The court's order, part of the resolution of a criminal writ application by victims, mandates a swift investigation and allows victims to file pleas before EOU courts overseeing the 61 FIRs. The allegations centre on fund misappropriation for flat bookings, with victims collectively claiming Rs 100 crore in losses, emphasizing the urgency of investigations and the need for a timely resolution.Read more

The Navi Mumbai police have initiated legal action by filing an FIR against five individuals accused of coercively demanding Rs 1 crore from a builder in Panvel. The primary aggressor forcefully entered the builder's residence, physically assaulted him, and demanded the sum. Four additional individuals joined in, escalating the threat by issuing ominous warnings, including the potential harm to the builder's son if the demanded amount was not promptly paid. The situation presents a serious threat beyond financial extortion, involving the safety of a family member. The ongoing investigation aims to identify and apprehend the perpetrators while exploring the motives behind this alarming incident.Read more

In Noida, the fate of Unitech housing projects hangs in the balance as thousands of anxious homebuyers await a crucial Supreme Court hearing. The projects, delayed for years due to the company's promoter's legal troubles, are now under a government-appointed board. The Supreme Court had earlier directed the submission of revised layout plans, emphasizing the commencement of construction without upfront payment of dues. The recent court order urged collaboration between Unitech and Noida Authority to resolve issues. Noida Authority, however, insists on clearing the realtor's Rs 10,000 crore dues before approving revised maps.Read more

In Mudaliarkuppam, along Chennai's East Coast Road, unauthorized sea-view villas and apartments have sparked environmental concerns. Following a complaint by Thazuthali kuppam villagers, the National Green Tribunal (NGT) is investigating these constructions which allegedly lack mandatory clearances. State officials confirm some buildings violated planning permissions, while environmentalists warn of potential ecological impacts on local fisheries and erosion patterns. The issue, involving private properties, a church, and a school in restricted zones, highlights the need for stringent adherence to environmental regulations in sensitive coastal areas. The NGT is set to revisit the case next month.Read more

The Bombay High Court, in a landmark decision, has assured tenants of the Ismail Baug building in Malad that their tenancy rights will be preserved despite the building's demolition. The court upheld the BMC's demolition notice, citing safety concerns, but emphasized that tenants would be reinstated once the building is reconstructed. The ruling came after a detailed consideration of conflicting structural audit reports and underlines the judiciary's commitment to balancing public safety with the protection of tenants' rights in urban development scenarios.Read more

The Maharashtra Real Estate Appellate Tribunal (MREAT) has modified a 2019 MahaRERA order, directing the promoter, Neelkamal Realtors, of a Mira Road real estate project to pay interest from 2013 on amounts paid by home buyers until possession is granted. The case involved a couple who booked a flat in Orchid Ozone in 2010, and paid 90% without a registered agreement. Although possession was to be given in 2013, the couple hasn’t received it yet. The tribunal found flaws in MahaRERA's order and instructed the promoter to execute a sale agreement promptly upon receiving the occupancy certificate. The judgment highlighted the promoter's breach of payment ceiling and obligations under real estate laws.Read more

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) recently apprehended Shashi Bala in connection with a money-laundering probe involving a Lucknow-based company accused of defrauding investors of Rs 800-1,000 crore. Bala, an active associate of the main accused, Rasheed Naseem, in the Shine City fraud, has been taken into custody. Naseem, the primary accused, is currently at large. A special court under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act has remanded Bala to ED custody until November 30. The ED revealed that Bala played a crucial role in assisting Naseem in concealing and laundering the proceeds of the alleged crime. The case involves raids, FIRs, and investigations into the financial misconduct.Read more

The Mayor of Kolkata, Firhad Hakim, has recently directed the buildings department to collaborate with architects or licensed building surveyors for expedited approval of building plans on plots not exceeding three cottahs. This move aligns with a new regulation allowing citizens to apply for building sanction online for smaller plots, ensuring quick approval within 15 days if the submitted documents adhere to civic regulations. The initiative aims to address delays and simplify the building plan approval process, emphasizing the Kolkata Municipal Corporation's commitment to supporting citizens in construction endeavours on smaller plots.Read more

At a recent event, UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath announced that over 55 lakh underprivileged individuals in Uttar Pradesh have received free housing under state and central government initiatives during his tenure. Speaking at the inauguration of development projects in Gorakhpur, Adityanath emphasized the success of housing schemes like Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana and Mukhyamantri Awas Yojana, transforming the lives of millions by providing homes with essential amenities. The Chief Minister highlighted the broader development initiatives in the region and outlined plans for future projects, reaffirming the commitment to improving the quality of life for residents.Read more

UAE-based real estate firm Emaar Properties PJSC and its Indian subsidiary, Emaar India, along with 13 others, have been booked by the police following allegations of cheating from their former business partner, MGF, involving undervaluation of land and other offenses. The complaint suggests that Emaar manipulated valuation reports through an independent valuer, Jones Lang Laselle (JLL), leading to significant undervaluation of land in Gurugram sectors. Emaar India strongly denies any wrongdoing, labelling the accusations as another attempt by MGF to harass the company and its employees, emphasizing prior investigations that found no criminality in similar claims.Read more