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The Ghaziabad Development Authority has announced its intent to initiate legal proceedings against both serving and retired officials involved in allowing unauthorised construction in the Express Garden Housing Society, located in Indirapuram. A court-appointed panel revealed that 134 flats were built over and above the sanctioned 400, prompting recommendations for FIRs against the developer, architect, and officials. The developer has denied wrongdoing, citing internal reconfiguration of units. The issue is currently under the Allahabad High Court's review, with further hearings due in the coming weeks.
The Ghaziabad Development Authority (GDA) is preparing to file First Information Reports against a group of serving and former officials, as well as the developer and architect associated with Express Garden society in Indirapuram. Advertisement
According to an inquiry committee appointed by the Allahabad High Court, 534 flats were constructed, significantly exceeding the sanctioned limit of 400 units. The panel has recommended criminal proceedings against those responsible for facilitating or overlooking the violations.
The controversy came to light after residents of the society approached the High Court, alleging irregularities in the management and functioning of the Residents Welfare Association. The residents claimed that no society elections had been held since 2015 and raised concerns over the increased number of units and the resultant strain on infrastructure and amenities. The High Court, taking note of the complaints, ordered the formation of a fact-finding committee.
In response, the developer argued that the additional units were not new constructions but the result of subdividing larger flats, maintaining that the overall built-up area had not increased. They stated that such reconfiguration was allowed under building by-laws amended in 2016. However, the panel observed that such changes still required fresh approvals, which were not obtained.
The GDA's internal inquiry identified multiple officers from its enforcement wing who were either directly involved or failed to act despite being in key positions during the period of construction. Some of them have already been served with notices. The matter continues to be under judicial scrutiny, and the next hearing is expected to be held in the coming month.
With FIRs likely to be registered and internal accountability mechanisms activated, the case could set a precedent for future actions against unauthorised development.
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