Authorities Intensify Crackdown on Real Estate Violations: Gurugram Builder Faces FIR, Bengaluru Enforces Strict Plinth Marking Rule

In a significant development underscoring the growing emphasis on regulatory compliance in India's real estate sector, authorities in Gurugram and Bengaluru have taken decisive action against developers operating without valid permissions. While Gurugram has initiated criminal proceedings against a builder for licence violations, Bengaluru has rolled out stringent new construction regulations to curb unauthorised building activities.

Gurugram Builder Booked for Operating Without Valid Commercial Licence

Authorities in Gurugram have reportedly filed a First Information Report (FIR) against Ornamental Realtors Pvt Ltd following allegations that the company continued operations despite its commercial-colony licence for a project in Sector 61 having expired. According to official sources, the licence had lapsed in August 2017 after completing its eight-year validity period, and the builder allegedly failed to apply for renewal or comply with required regulatory filings.

The district town planner (enforcement) has ordered police action against the developer, marking another instance of regulatory authorities taking stern measures against non-compliant builders. This enforcement action forms part of a broader crackdown in Gurugram on realty projects operating without valid permissions, reflecting increased regulatory oversight across the Delhi-NCR region. Homebuyers looking to invest in the region should understand RERA guidelines and developer obligations before making purchase decisions.

The development comes at a time when Gurugram's SPR Corridor is emerging as a real estate magnet, making regulatory compliance even more critical for maintaining buyer confidence in the market.

Bengaluru Introduces Mandatory Plinth Marking Certification

In a parallel move to strengthen construction oversight, Bengaluru has introduced stringent new regulations that ban any construction activity unless the plinth-line marking for the approved building plan is first completed and certified by municipal authorities. The directive aims to ensure compliance with sanctioned plans, safeguard urban planning standards, and crack down on unauthorised developments.

New Compliance Requirements Under the Rule

Under the new framework, construction must not commence until town-planning officials carry out official marking of the foundation boundary based on the approved building plan. Once marked, a foundation certificate must be issued before any building work can begin. The approved plans will reportedly be accessible to ward engineers and field staff via digital platforms, enabling on-site verification against actual construction. Those planning to build their own homes should refer to this comprehensive guide to building a dream home on self-owned land for understanding the approval process.

Regular inspections will be conducted, and a complaint-handling protocol has been established to address violations reported by citizens or officials. The civic body has also made provision for digital access to approved plans, similar to initiatives like BBMP's e-Aasthi platform for e-Khata certificates.

Penalties and Enforcement Mechanisms

The consequences for violations are reportedly severe. If any construction proceeds without valid plinth marking and certification, officials can issue a show-cause notice under the new rules. Property owners will then have 15 days to justify their actions. Failure to respond or remove unauthorised construction may invite a demolition order, with costs of demolition to be recovered from the property owner. Understanding illegal construction demolition rules in India is essential for both buyers and developers.

Municipal engineers and planners have been empowered to immediately halt illegal work, while officials who allow violations to continue despite orders will face departmental action. Notably, appeals against demolition orders will not automatically delay enforcement, with only a formal stay order capable of pausing action.

Growing Regulatory Oversight Across Indian Real Estate

These developments reflect a broader trend of increased regulatory scrutiny across India's housing sector. In recent months, Telangana RERA has cracked down on builders for deviating from approved layouts, while MahaRERA has frozen accounts of non-compliant projects to protect homebuyer interests.

The new RERA rules in Gurugram requiring builders to publish public notices after filing registration further demonstrate the push for transparency in real estate transactions. Similarly, Karnataka has cracked down on unauthorised land layouts with confiscation orders.

Implications for Property Buyers and Investors

For property buyers, investors, and developers, these enforcement actions add a layer of transparency and accountability to the real estate ecosystem. However, they also underscore the need to obtain full municipal clearances before beginning any building work. Prospective buyers should always verify occupancy certificates and their importance before investing in any property.

Experts recommend that homebuyers carefully check payment clauses before signing builder agreements and understand the various types of NOCs in Indian real estate. Those considering under-construction properties should read about essential considerations before buying under-construction flats.

Key Takeaways from Both Developments

Disclaimer: This news article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or investment advice. Readers are advised to conduct independent verification and consult qualified professionals before making any property-related decisions. The information presented is based on publicly available reports, and accuracy of specific details should be verified with relevant authorities. Real estate investments carry inherent risks, and past regulatory actions do not guarantee future enforcement patterns.