The Delhi Development Authority's (DDA) recent first-come, first-serve housing scheme experienced record demand with over 650 units booked within hours of launch. The housing initiative, encompassing 5,500 flats across Delhi, saw unprecedented traffic with 17 million hits on the DDA's website by late Monday. The 2-BHK flats in Dwarka sold out first, while flats in Narela and Rohini also witnessed significant interest. In response to the surge in online traffic, DDA plans to enhance its server capacity to ensure a smooth booking process.Read more

The Bombay High Court has expressed concerns about corruption and fraudulent practices in the Slum Rehabilitation Authority's (SRA) allotment and entitlement processes. To address these issues, the court has recommended the implementation of regular biometric surveys and Aadhaar-based identification to eliminate fraud and trafficking. The court also emphasized the need to prevent political interference in the SRA's operations, allowing only specific government officials to hold meetings in their offices. A petition filed by a cooperative housing society prompted the court to expedite the hearing, and the SRA has resumed biometric identification and surveys in response.Read more

Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Indian government has launched an ambitious housing mission to construct 29.3 million houses by December 2023, prioritizing housing for the rural poor. With a dedicated budget and various schemes, the government aims to provide not only houses but also basic amenities such as toilets, electrification, and cooking gas connections. The project is being closely monitored for timely completion, with a deadline set by the Prime Minister. The government's focus on rural development and welfare initiatives is expected to have a positive impact and gain support in future elections.Read more

The three development authorities in Gautam Budh Nagar have decided to discontinue the practice of allotting industrial plots through e-auctions and revert to the previous system of draw of lots, interviews, and background checks. Entrepreneurs, particularly those from the MSME sector, had voiced complaints that the e-auction process favoured large-scale businesses and hindered the growth of smaller enterprises. The decision to reinstate the previous method aims to promote inclusivity, transparency, and equal opportunities for all entrepreneurs in the region.Read more

The Orissa High Court has instructed the state government to formulate regulations for implementing the Apartment Ownership and Management Act within three months. The court has maintained the ban on the registration of sale deeds until the regulations are in place. A petitioner had challenged the validity of an amended rule, claiming it conflicted with the Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act. The state government assured the court that the regulations would be finalized within the given timeframe. This decision aims to promote transparency and accountability in the real estate sector in Orissa.Read more

SEBI, the regulatory body, is set to conduct an online auction of properties in Uttar Pradesh with a reserve price of Rs 1.07 crore. The properties were associated with Swar Agrotech, which raised approximately Rs 95 lakh through illicit investment schemes. Interested bidders have the opportunity to inspect the properties between July 17 and July 21. Quikr Realty has been enlisted to assist SEBI in the sale process. This auction marks a significant step towards rectifying the financial misconduct and seeking restitution for the investors affected by Swar Agrotech's illegal activities.Read more

In a significant ruling, Justice R MT Teekaa Raman of the Madras High Court has passed an order directing the Chennai Hiranandani Residents' Welfare Association to pay a total sum of Rs1.19 lakh to the promoter, Hiranandani Developers Private Limited. The association has been held responsible for causing both inconvenience and pecuniary loss to the developer. This ruling comes as a result of the association's suppression of information, which has negatively impacted the developer's interests. The court's decision aims to ensure accountability and compensation for the harm caused by the association's actions.Read more

The amendments regarding the use of habitable attics in Himachal Pradesh have been implemented after considering objections and suggestions received during the specified period. The new rules permit the use of attics for habitation purposes, with fees for regularization based on the size of the area. The notification specifies the permissible height, premium FAR, and additional fees for habitable attics. The height of the sloping roof and ridge is regulated, and only the area with a clear height of 2.1 meters contributes to the floor area ratio. Habitable attics are allowed for both residential and other purposes, with separate fees charged for each block. Habitual basements are treated as independent storeys.Read more

The Andhra Pradesh High Court has requested clarification from the state government regarding permission granted by the Supreme Court for the distribution of house sites and construction of houses in the R-5 zone, as well as details on any plans for housing construction in the proposed zone. Farmers, represented by welfare associations, have filed a petition challenging the construction of houses in the R-5 zone, citing violations of building rules and land transfers. The court has scheduled further hearings for July 11 to examine the case in detail and analyse arguments from both parties.Read more

Ford India's manufacturing unit in Maraimalai Nagar, Chennai, closed down in 2021. The Tamil Nadu government is now considering innovative ways to utilize the plant's land, with discussions ongoing for another major manufacturer to take over the facility. Ford retains ownership of the land and is exploring alternatives. The plant had an annual capacity of over 150,000 cars and employed over 2,500 workers. Tata Motors acquired Ford's Sanand plant in Gujarat, while Ford had previously considered using an Indian plant as an export base for electric vehicle manufacturing but decided against it.Read more