In a pivotal decision poised to support numerous property owners in Bengaluru, the Karnataka Cabinet has authorized the regularization of B-Khata properties verified by the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) up to September 30, 2024. These properties will now qualify for A-Khata status, providing much-needed legal clarity and enabling access to vital civic amenities such as electricity and water connections.
The announcement was made on Thursday by Law Minister H.K. Patil after the cabinet meeting. He remarked, “This initiative aims to instill discipline in the city’s property development landscape and mitigate illegal constructions.”
B-Khatas have historically created legal confusion. Initially issued since 2009 for properties that did not comply with BBMP’s planning or zoning guidelines, they have precluded these properties from obtaining occupancy certificates (OC), completion certificates (CC), and utility connections. With halting the issuance of B-Khatas effective from September 30, 2024, the government has been under pressure to clarify the status of properties that received these documents in the intervening period.
The cabinet’s meeting reached a consensus that B-Khatas validated by genuine government circulars will now be equivalent to A-Khatas. For properties with unclear or missing documentation, regularization under new guidelines will soon be made available.
“This measure is a significant relief for thousands of homeowners facing bureaucratic obstacles for years. It will also simplify the BBMP’s processes regarding OC, CC, and building plan approvals,” Patil added.
In conjunction with this decision, the cabinet tackled another long-standing issue—land acquisition discrepancies from the Bangalore Development Authority (BDA). The cabinet agreed to withdraw 29 notifications under Section 48(1) of the Land Acquisition Act, 1984, thereby regularizing lands previously trapped in legal uncertainty.
This development occurs alongside broader administrative reforms recommended under the Greater Bengaluru Administration Bill, 2024. A report by a Joint Review Committee, led by MLA Rizwan Arshad, suggested establishing additional municipal corporations to effectively manage the city’s urban expansion. Acting on this recommendation, the cabinet approved the formation of five new municipal corporations in the Greater Bengaluru region.
Sources indicate that the decision to increase the number of corporations was driven by long-term governance needs and demographic trends. Further discussions with elected officials will shape the operational framework and boundaries of these new municipal units.
Together, these initiatives signify a vital restructuring of Bengaluru’s urban governance framework. By clarifying B-Khata disputes and decentralizing municipal management, the Karnataka government seeks to enhance accountability, improve service delivery, and provide legal clarity for property ownership in one of India’s fastest-growing real estate markets.
