BENGALURU: The Karnataka Home Buyers Forum has approached the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), claiming that the state’s ongoing delay in implementing its new apartment ownership law is infringing on the life, liberty, equality, and dignity of countless homebuyers.
In a letter to NHRC chairperson Justice V Ramasubramanian, the forum—representing various buyers’ associations since 2021—reported that critical state government departments have recognized the need for updated legislation for over a year but have yet to announce the Karnataka Apartment Ownership & Management Act, 2025.
This inaction has hindered buyers from registering their associations, managing common areas, or securing essential ownership rights as outlined under the Real Estate Regulatory Authority (Rera).
The forum provided evidence, including government communications dating back to March 2023. These included housing department notes indicating that the 2016 and 2017 Rera rules do not adequately address apartment association registrations; a communication from the department of cooperation in February 2024 pointing out management gaps; and an update from the urban development department in June 2024 confirming that a new apartment act was in progress.
Another note from the housing department in June 2024 mentioned that the proposed legislation, which is set to replace the long-standing Karnataka Ownership Flats Act, was in its final stages. A Rera statement in October 2024 asserted that the draft Act would be released shortly.
Despite these repeated assurances, the forum emphasized that the Act has not been formally announced, leaving buyers reliant on temporary measures and unable to transfer management of common areas from promoters to associations, as mandated by Rera.
The petition further highlights that a complaint filed with the Karnataka Human Rights Commission in late 2024 prompted a government response indicating that the Act was forthcoming. The forum is urging the NHRC to compel the government, including the chief minister, to expedite the law’s notification.
Homebuyers stated that the protracted delay has rendered many associations without legal standing and stalled the transfer of apartment complexes, exposing residents to administrative uncertainty and financial risks. They have requested the NHRC to view this as a violation of their rights due to administrative inaction.
