The Arvind Kejriwal Government is planning to allow the registration (sale and purchase) of properties that were declared “unauthorised” construction by civic bodies and the DDA for violating building norms. The sale and purchase of such properties was banned in Delhi after lalita Park tragedy in Trans Yamuna in which 71 people lost their lives and many sustained grievous injuries in 2010. This means that sale and purchase of “illegal” properties will be allowed in Delhi.
Under the present rules, any unauthorised construction is “booked” and the information is sent to Sub-Registrar in the Revenue Department, so that the sale or rent deeds of the property cannot be registered. Such “illegal” properties are not allowed to be sold or rented. It is also learnt that despite the ban, sale and purchase of such properties was being done through General Power of Attorney (GPA).
At least 8-10 lakh properties were declared “unauthorised” construction, in the past few years on several grounds -- including illegal constructions, violation of building bylaws or dilapidated buildings posing threat to human life. It is noted that a similar proposal was mooted during the President’s Rule last year but the same was turned down by the lieutenant-Governor and the Chief Secretary of Delhi.
Top sources told The Pioneer that a proposal for allowing sale and purchase of “illegal” properties is ready with the Revenue Department and it is being forwarded to Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia, who is also holding the charge of Finance Department.
As per the proposal, the Delhi laws (Special Provisions) Act 2014 has prohibited action against properties that have violated the building by-laws in the Capital so there is no need to carry on ban on such properties.
According to sources, if the Government allowed the sale and purchase of such properties, it will give big relief to the people. The decision will not only help check corruption in Sub-Registrar offices across the city but also help generate revenue from registration of such properties. The decision will also help fix responsibility in case of any tragedy as in most of the cases; records are not available with the department.
In fact there is a huge decline in Government’s revenue collection through registration of properties. The shortfall is estimated over Rs 400 crore in the current fiscal year. As this financial year is coming to end on March 31, the Government is really worried about revenue generation.