Justice Subodh Abhyankar of the Madhya Pradesh High Court has issued a directive to the Madhya Pradesh Housing and Infrastructure Development Board (MPHIDB), instructing them to settle their outstanding dues totalling Rs 435 crore. The court ordered the board to make the entire payment within a strict two-week timeframe upon receiving the certified copy of the order. Additionally, the order stipulates that the MPHIDB should transfer a sum of Rs 6.54 crore directly to a labour union as part of a settlement agreement. This legal action marks the end of a long standing dispute over a land where Hukumchand mills stood.Read more

Antriksh NRI City, a Haridwar-based developer, has been ordered by the Uttarakhand state consumer commission to repay Rs 3 lakh plus 6% interest to petitioner Vikas Malik. Malik had initially paid Rs 6.4 lakh as part payment for a Rs 34 lakh plot but later wished to cancel the deal. The developer argued that the COVID-19 pandemic prevented the refund, a stance the commission rejected. They ruled in favour of Malik, emphasizing that banks and government institutions were operational during the pandemic, rendering the developer's excuse insufficient. In addition to the refund, the developer was directed to pay Rs 10,000 in litigation charges. This case underscores the importance of upholding contractual agreements even during unforeseen circumstances.Read more

The Indian government has announced an accelerated timeline to achieve its 'housing for all' initiative in rural India, now targeting completion by December 2023, three months ahead of the previous deadline. Under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (Gramin), the government aimed to build 29.5 million houses for rural families. As of September 30, 24.5 million houses were constructed, with the rest set to be finished by the new December target. The initiative reflects the government's proactive approach toward fulfilling housing promises, highlighting its commitment to rural development and providing housing for millions of families across the country.Read more

Delhi's 2018 land pooling policy, designed to revamp 105 villages within P-II, K-I, L, N, and J zones, has hit a roadblock as it garners limited interest from landowners. The policy mandates that landowners form a consortia to collectively pool land, with 70% of the land required for development needing to be contiguous and free from encumbrances. Despite its potential to unlock urban development opportunities, the low uptake underscores challenges and skepticism faced by landowners, possibly due to complexities and uncertainties associated with the policy. Delhi Development Authority (DDA) continues to encourage participation, hoping to boost this redevelopment initiative.Read more

In its ongoing investigation into Kerala's LIFE Mission, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) has confiscated assets totalling Rs 5.38 crore. LIFE Mission was meant to aid flood victims who lost their homes. The assets, linked to alleged money laundering, include properties and bank balances of Santhosh Eappen and Swapna Suresh. The probe reveals a suspected conspiracy involving officials from the UAE consulate and Kerala government to divert funds from the Red Crescent donation. Further revelations point to illicit overseas transfers and involvement of several high-profile names. The investigation continues and more details emerge.Read more

Eight individuals have been charged by Division 8 police in Ludhiana following a nearly 8-year investigation into a property fraud in Ghumar Mandi. The accused allegedly forged documents to claim and sell a property originally owned by the complainant's maternal grandfather. The fraud came to light when Vinod Kumar, a descendant and rightful heir, raised suspicions after discovering discrepancies in property records. While charges have been filed, no arrests have been made yet.Read more

The Bombay High Court has expressed deep disappointment with the police investigation into a multi-crore housing scam involving Karrm Infrastructures (Pvt) Ltd. In their written order, the justices reprimanded the investigating police and directed the Director General of Police, State of Maharashtra, to transfer the case to a police officer with the rank of Commissioner of Police. They also mandated that the inquiry report be submitted within four weeks. The court raised serious concerns about the police's inability to respond adequately to its queries and directed the initiation of mediation to devise a comprehensive scheme for the victims. The housing scam involved thousands of flat buyers who were deceived by the developer.Read more

The Bangalore Development Authority (BDA) is facing a lack of interest from potential buyers in its auction of corner sites due to the absence of geo-tagging. The BDA presented 123 corner and middle sites for auction, but since these sites are not geo-tagged, prospective buyers are finding it challenging to locate and assess the plots using platforms like Google Maps. The absence of geo-tagging has raised concerns among buyers who fear that friends and family may have difficulty finding the plots if they decide to construct a home there. The BDA has acknowledged this issue and is working to address it. Some customers have also highlighted the challenges of locating sites in the rapidly changing Bengaluru landscape. The absence of geo-tagging has become a significant concern for both authorities and potential buyers in the region.Read more

The Delhi Development Authority (DDA) has achieved an impressive milestone by selling approximately 40% of its previously unsold inventory of 2,236 flats in Phase 1 of its housing scheme. This accomplishment, which generated Rs 506 crore in revenue, underscores the enthusiastic response from potential homebuyers in Delhi. Despite initial concerns regarding the sale of economically weaker section (EWS) flats, the DDA has successfully sold various flat categories in different locations. The LG has set ambitious targets for the current fiscal year, aiming to sell at least 40% of the total unsold inventory. The DDA's proactive measures to enhance the appeal of certain areas have contributed to this success.Read more

The Maharashtra state cabinet has approved various initiatives, including Rs. 25 crore for a cluster redevelopment project in Thane, focusing on providing affordable housing in underprivileged areas. The funds were allocated from the Mahatma Phule Backward Class Development Corporation, and the redevelopment will be executed by a subsidiary of the corporation. Additionally, the cabinet sanctioned government banking transactions through the state cooperative bank, aimed at supporting the cooperative sector. The cabinet also greenlit a power project in Koradi, and extended a scheme to pay interest on loans for cooperative spinning mills. Other amendments and initiatives were also passed.Read more