BENGALURU: The Bangalore Apartments Federation (BAF), representing over 1,400 Resident Welfare Associations (RWAs), has issued a firm ultimatum to the State Government, demanding the introduction and enactment of the Karnataka Apartment Ownership and Management Act (KAOMA) during the upcoming Belagavi Assembly Session on December 2.
BAF advocates for the rights of more than 350,000 households and around 1.5 million residents, stressing the urgent need to update the outdated Karnataka Apartment Ownership Act of 1972. They argue that this update is crucial to mitigate the administrative disarray and legal disputes stemming from unclear ownership and management rights.
At a press conference on Tuesday, BAF reiterated its long-standing demand for a robust legal framework for apartment owners, a promise frequently echoed in the electoral pledges of both the current and past governments. President Satish Mallya remarked that the ongoing delays have created a legal void that severely impacts numerous homeowners who are lacking in clarity and protection. “With two and a half years since the Congress government took office, this demand has transitioned from a request to an urgent legislative necessity,” he stated.
BAF’s comprehensive KAOMA proposal includes critical provisions aimed at ensuring transparent transfers of property rights and Undivided Shares (UDS) from builders to owners, as well as clearer rules for forming and registering owners’ associations. It also seeks to establish a more efficient dispute resolution mechanism and legal frameworks for the amalgamation and redevelopment of aging apartment complexes.
“It has been nearly two years since the Deputy CM assured the drafting of this new law, stating it would be introduced soon. We insist that this modern legislation, which addresses vital matters such as conveyance and redevelopment, be presented in the upcoming Belagavi session,” emphasized BAF General Secretary K. Arun Kumar.
