In a stringent move to uphold construction standards, the Haryana Irrigation Department has charge-sheeted 80 officials following the failure of 18 out of 48 tested material samples in various ongoing projects. The state's Water Resources Minister, Shruti Choudhry, underscored a zero-tolerance stance towards corruption and substandard materials, stating that officials will be held accountable, especially in projects nearing completion. The vigilance wing carried out surprise inspections after persistent complaints, signalling tighter oversight. The minister also highlighted the significance of the Kishau Dam, which is set to bolster Haryana's water supply for both drinking and irrigation purposes.Read more

The Government of Chhattisgarh has launched the first phase of its Model Sub-Registrar Offices (SROs) to modernise and digitise land and property registration services. As part of the rollout, 19 out of 104 SROs are being revamped, including a flagship office in Raipur. Developed in partnership with BLS International, the upgraded offices will feature biometric verification, real-time status tracking, token-based queues, and citizen facilitation desks. Additional amenities include air-conditioned lounges, digital display boards, CCTV monitoring, and services for senior citizens and differently abled individuals. Supporting facilities such as document scanning and complaint redressal will ensure a seamless user experience. This initiative is aimed at improving transparency, efficiency, and accessibility in public services. Positioned as a model for other states, Chhattisgarh's digitised SROs reflect a growing shift towards citizen-focused, tech-enabled governance in India's property registration ecosystem.Read more

In a major enforcement drive, Gurugram's Department of Town and Country Planning (DTCP) removed 51 unauthorised gates from 11 apartment units in South City-1. The action followed complaints from residents and schools about obstructed internal roads, which affected emergency access and daily movement. The gates, spread across blocks C to M, were dismantled by a team led by Town Planner (Enforcement) Amit Madholia, using earthmovers. The DTCP clarified that boom barriers are only permitted on internal roads of licensed colonies under specific rules, which these gates violated. Additional encroachments, including a Vita milk booth, were also cleared. The operation was part of a task force directive to improve traffic flow and public safety. Notices have now been issued to DLF-2 residents to remove illegal gates voluntarily. The DTCP's action signals stronger enforcement of urban planning norms to maintain open and accessible city infrastructure.Read more

The Guwahati Municipal Corporation (GMC) has launched a large-scale inspection drive to ensure compliance with rainwater harvesting, groundwater recharge, and green space norms across residential, commercial, institutional, and industrial buildings. With inspections scheduled to begin in the coming days, the initiative targets properties that have either poorly maintained or completely neglected these mandated systems. The move aligns with state bylaws and aims to strengthen water sustainability and reduce flood risks, while non-compliance could lead to penalties, sealing of premises, or cancellation of occupancy certificates.Read more

Haryana has introduced Aadhaar authentication in its affordable housing e-draw portal to eliminate irregularities and improve transparency in allotments. This automated verification cross-checks applicant details against Aadhaar records, preventing duplicates and ineligible applications. The move addresses problems faced during the 2023 Aster Avenue 36 housing draw, where technical glitches affected applicant eligibility and created confusion. By streamlining the verification process and integrating historical data, Haryana aims to ensure a fair and efficient housing allotment system that restores public trust in its affordable housing schemes.Read more

In a significant development, the Bombay High Court instructed the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) to deposit an arbitration award of INR 1,169 crore with the court registry amid an ongoing legal battle with Mumbai Metro One Pvt Ltd (MMOPL), a subsidiary of Reliance Infrastructure. This order followed MMRDA's appeal challenging earlier arbitral rulings over cost disputes linked to Mumbai's first metro line. The court made it clear that any stay on the award would only be considered after the deposit, reinforcing the seriousness of arbitration enforcement in India.Read more

The Haryana Real Estate Regulatory Authority (HRERA) has directed the developer of Expressway Towers in Gurugram's Sector 109 to compensate buyers for delayed possession. Acting on multiple complaints, HRERA invoked Section 18(1) of the RERA Act, mandating the developer to pay monthly interest from the original possession date until actual handover. The project, located along the Dwarka Expressway, faced buyer frustration due to construction delays despite its prime location appeal. In addition to compensation, HRERA ordered the developer to publish updated construction timelines on its portal to improve transparency. The ruling underscores the regulator's commitment to protecting buyer rights and holding developers accountable for project delays. It also signals to the wider NCR market that delivery commitments are enforceable, encouraging greater adherence to timelines and boosting consumer trust in the housing sector.Read more

Property owners in Bengaluru can now obtain e-Khata certificates digitally within two working days, thanks to a new initiative by the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP). The fully online process, rolled out across all eight BBMP zones, allows applications via the state's SAKALA portal. Applicants need only submit three documents: sale deed, latest tax-paid receipt, and property sketch. Revenue officers are required to process requests or raise queries within two days, improving accountability. The e-Khata is essential for property validation, tax payments, loans, and transactions. Previously, the process involved lengthy in-person visits and delays. The move particularly benefits owners of properties regularised under the Akrama-Sakrama scheme. By digitising the system, BBMP aims to enhance transparency and ease for property owners, buyers, and developers, fostering greater confidence in municipal services.Read more

Karnataka's deputy chief minister Shri D K Shivakumar has announced that approximately 100 buildings obstructing stormwater drains in Bengaluru will be demolished to prevent urban flooding. Invoking the Disaster Management Act, the government aims to ensure the free flow of rainwater. The BBMP chief commissioner has been granted full authority to carry out these demolitions, with compensation considered for affected property owners. This initiative follows inspections of flood-prone areas like Yelahanka and Manyata tech park, where significant waterlogging has been observed.Read more

The Supreme Court has instructed High Courts to adjudicate landlord-tenant disputes under the Transfer of Property Act, 1882, within one year. The directive came during a case concerning a long-standing commercial property dispute in Delhi's Khan Market. The court highlighted that such cases often remain unresolved for decades, unfairly depriving landlords of property rights and burdening civil courts. It stressed that possession suits should be handled swiftly, especially when a tenant's legal right to occupy has ended. The apex court reaffirmed that once a lease is terminated, landlords have the right to reclaim possession through civil proceedings, which should not face undue delays. High Courts have been urged to implement measures ensuring timely resolution of such cases, helping to streamline property-related litigation and uphold landlord rights.Read more