Will new OC policy relieve bldrs, officials of accountability?

Although the policy will benefit lakhs of residents, the fact that there has been a mockery of rules for years can't be ignored; SC guidelines exist in this regard

- Devashri Bhujbal

The state government recently rolled out a new policy to regularise buildings across Mumbai, which lack an occupation certificate (OC) owing to reasons like land transfer or administrative lags, which are beyond residents’ control.

However, the move will not only allow developers to go scot-free but also give relief of accountability to government departments, which turn a blind eye towards the rampant occupation of non-OC buildings.

Although the policy will benefit lakhs of residents, the fact that there has been a mockery of rules, regulations and laws for the last several years regarding the occupation of non-regularised buildings in Mumbai cannot be ignored.

In the case of Rajendra Kumar Barjatiya and others versus UP Avas Evam Vikas Parishad and others, and Rajeev Gupta and others versus UP Avas Evam Vikas Parishad and others, a Supreme Court order, dated December 17, 2024, laid down guidelines, while dealing with a case related to illegal commercial constructions on residential plots. The order remarked that the state governments often enrich themselves through the process of regularisation by condoning, rectifying violations/illegalities and are unmindful that this gain is insignificant compared to the long-term damage it causes to the orderly urban development.