Clamp down on registry of unauthorized flats; probe alliance of builders, politicians, officials.

Mumbai (City News Mumbai – Anant Nalavde)

To protect the lifetime earnings of home buyers in urban and rural areas of Maharashtra from falling into the trap of unauthorized construction, the state government has decided to prohibit the registration of unauthorized flats. This decision, taken by Revenue Minister Chandrasekhar Bawanakule following the directive of Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, has stirred up the real‑estate sector.

This decision may raise questions not only about the sale of illegal flats but also about construction permits, the role of local bodies, and potential political‑administrative interference. However, the real benefit of this decision will be realized only when it is implemented uniformly and transparently across the entire state.

## Documents will be examined before registration!

Complaints have surfaced in many cities, including the Mumbai Metropolitan Region, Thane, Pune, Pimpri‑Chinchwad, and Nagpur, regarding construction exceeding approved plans, lack of necessary permits, and non‑compliance with Maharashtra's regulations.

According to the new directives of the revenue department, a decision on registration will be made only after examining the required certificates, approved construction plans, and related documents. A provision has also been made to prohibit the registration of flats that exceed the area shown on approved plans.

This could curb the tendency to sell flats built illegally and then attempt to obtain the necessary permits or regularize the construction later.

However, stopping registration and taking action against unauthorized construction are two separate processes. Therefore, the relevant competent authority must make a separate decision in accordance with the law regarding the regularization, use permission, or demolition of unauthorized buildings.

## Three major changes in the real‑estate sector

**1. Builders who comply with regulations gain an advantage**

Developers who create projects by fulfilling the required permits, approved plans, and certificates may gain credibility in the market. With reduced uncertainty related to documents, home buyers will receive clearer information when choosing a project.

**2. Economic pressure on projects that violate regulations**

The sale of projects lacking the necessary approvals or exceeding the approved area may be halted, potentially tying up developers' capital. This can also affect their ability to repay debts and launch new projects.

Customers who have already invested in such projects may have to struggle more to obtain possession of the house, a refund of the amount, or to secure their legal rights.

**3. Mixed impact on home prices and availability**

Due to document verification and compliance with regulations, the cost of some projects may increase or take longer to complete. On the other hand, a reduction in the supply of homes from projects that violate regulations could increase pressure on available houses in certain areas.

Therefore, it would be inappropriate to conclude that home prices will definitely rise or fall. Assessing demand, supply, project status, and construction costs by region is necessary.

## Questions also arise about builder‑politician relationships

In the real‑estate sector, changes in land use, construction permits, additional floor space index (FSI), redevelopment, and local administration approvals hold significant economic importance. In such a context, ensuring transparency in potential conflicts of interest and relationships among developers, political officeholders, and administrative officials is a matter of public interest.

However, it would not be appropriate to assume that all builders or political leaders are involved in irregularities based solely on this. Determining responsibility in a particular case will require relevant documents, financial transactions, decision processes, and investigative findings.

After this decision, several important questions arise:

- Who granted construction permission to buildings that violated regulations?
- Why did the relevant authorities not take action when construction exceeded the approved plans?
- Why did action remain pending on some projects despite receiving complaints?
- Was there political or administrative pressure to grant a developer an exemption from regulations?

Answers to these questions should emerge through official documents and impartial investigations.

## The government will also be tested

The warning of departmental investigations against sub‑registrars who perform registrations could be an important step toward ensuring accountability. However, unauthorized construction does not arise only at the time of registration.

Behind it are several stages, including land use, construction permits, plan approvals, inspection of construction work, and occupancy certificates.

Therefore, holding only the registration department responsible will not be sufficient. The roles of the municipality, the urban planning department, the planning authority, the revenue department, and the relevant officials should also be examined.

If any official has granted permission in violation of the rules, action should also be taken against them. Otherwise, even if the registry is stopped in the final stage, the core problem of unauthorized construction may persist.

**Political Impact: Accountability with Credit Also Necessary**

This decision can be credited to Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Revenue Minister Chandrasekhar Bawanikule. The decision could prove significant in protecting home buyers' interests and controlling unauthorized construction.

However, if there is a gap between the government’s announcement and ground realities, the opposition may question the government’s functioning.

Especially in cities where there are more complaints about unauthorized construction, it will be important to see whether action is taken according to the same criteria for all, whether rules are applied to influential developers, and whether officials can make decisions without political pressure.

The opposition may question the implementation of this decision, pending complaints, and the data on action. However, the importance will lie more in official records, findings of investigations, and actual action than in political accusations.

**The Road Ahead: Transparency, Investigation, and Equal Action**

To ensure the long‑term impact of this decision, the government should make information related to unauthorized construction public. It is also necessary to facilitate online verification of approved plans and certificates, record reasons for denial of registry, and regularly review pending cases.

Developers should receive a clear process for complying with the rules. At the same time, complaints from home buyers who have already fallen victim to fraud should be dealt with as a priority.

The most important question is not only stopping the registry of unauthorized flats, but also finding out how illegal construction was allowed, who granted the approvals, and whether those who violated the rules received protection.

Closing the registry doors may only be the beginning. The real success of this decision will be proven only when no builder, official, or any person with political influence is exempt from the rules and compliance with the law is ensured equally for all.