NOIDA: The Supreme Court has instructed the Noida Authority to issue conditional occupancy certificates for six residential towers in the Sports City project, Sector 150, providing a significant, albeit partial, victory for over 450 families awaiting their homes in Godrej Nest.
The ruling was made by Justices MM Sundresh and Satish Chandra Sharma, in response to a petition from Brick Rise Developers, part of the Sector 150 project led by Lotus Greens Constructions. Brick Rise contested a February order from the Allahabad High Court that was unfavorable to the developers, citing issues such as irregularities, delays, and unpaid dues.
The Supreme Court has mandated that the Noida Authority grant conditional occupancy certificates (COCs) within six weeks for the six pending tower applications. However, these certificates are conditional and depend on the outcome of ongoing special leave petitions and any further directives from the court.
The bench remarked, “Conditional occupancy certificates shall be granted to the applicants within six weeks for six towers pending approval from Noida. These certificates are subject to the final outcome of the special leave petitions and any directives from this court.”
Additionally, the court emphasized that developers must fulfill all sports and recreational facility commitments as part of the original Sports City plan. It highlighted that all approvals must adhere to Noida’s building regulations and bylaws, with possession granted only after these conditions are satisfied.
The Supreme Court also clarified that this ruling does not set a precedent for other projects within Sports City, stating, “The issuance of conditional occupancy certificates to these applicants should not be interpreted as a precedent for other allottees in Sports City,” limiting the application of its ruling.
The legal dispute has been intricate and prolonged. Earlier this year, the Allahabad High Court ordered a CBI and ED investigation into the developers of three Sports City projects, which included those in sectors 78, 79, 101, and 150, over alleged financial and developmental mismanagement. The High Court also directed the Noida Authority to issue recovery notices to consortium partners, including those involved in Sector 150.
In response to these notices, many developers, including Brick Rise, began settling their dues. Brick Rise alone deposited ₹80 crore, and other partners are expected to comply, facilitating the Supreme Court’s order.
“We welcome the Supreme Court’s decision in favor of homebuyers. We have complete faith in the court and are committed to fulfilling our responsibilities,” commented a spokesperson for Lotus Greens.
