IndustryLatest Stories

Karnataka Passes Bill to Regulate 15% Building Violations

BENGALURU: The Karnataka Assembly passed the Municipal Corporations (Amendment) Bill, 2025, on Tuesday, allowing municipal commissioners to regularise unauthorized buildings by imposing penalties. This has drawn parallels with the Akrama-Sakrama scheme, which is still awaiting a decision from the Supreme Court. Urban Development Minister BS Suresha (Byrathi), while presenting the bill, stated that the amendment will only apply to unlawful structures that can be legalised under existing regulations. “This will not apply to buildings that have been slated for demolition,” he stated. Under the new provisions, municipal commissioners are empowered to issue occupancy certificates (OCs) for buildings that lacked commencement…

Latest StoriesRegulatory

Karnataka: Online Registration for Allotted Land and Mortgages Approved

Representative image BENGALURU: On Wednesday, the assembly approved the Registration (Karnataka Amendment) Bill, 2025, enabling online registration of government-allotted land parcels with the sub-registrar’s digitized signature, eliminating the need for human involvement. The legislation also facilitates online registration for mortgage properties tied to bank loans and their release upon repayment. However, for transactions between private parties, the current requirement for the seller and buyer to be present before a sub-registrar remains unchanged. Revenue Minister Krishna Byre Gowda, who introduced the bill, highlighted that the goal is to streamline the registration process electronically for secure properties, including those allocated by agencies…

Latest StoriesRegulatory

Karnataka Targets Illegal Layouts, Officials May Face Action

Representative image created by AI BENGALURU: The Karnataka Revenue Department has initiated a substantial campaign against illegal land developments, targeting unauthorized layouts established through the misuse of land laws. Revenue Minister Krishna Byre Gowda has instructed officials to identify and take strict action against officers involved in these violations. Across the state, valuable agricultural lands are being unlawfully converted into residential plots without the necessary approvals mandated by Section 95 of the Land Revenue Act. Developers are misusing “11E maps,” intended for legitimate partitioning, to subdivide land into smaller parcels, sometimes less than one gunta, and market them as part…

Latest StoriesRegulatory

Karnataka HC: RERA-validated co-ops can manage apartments

By Sanjana CS BENGALURU: A significant ruling from the High Court on June 30 has brought much-needed relief to flat owners. The single bench’s decision supports a registered cooperative society of allottees who have faced challenges for over 11 years. Justice Suraj Govindaraj presided over a case highlighting disputes among apartment owners, agreement holders, and builders concerning the completion and maintenance of an apartment complex. It was revealed that builders had manipulated an unauthorized association for illicit activities, contesting a Real Estate Regulatory Authority (RERA) order. The High Court dismantled this facade and reaffirmed the RERA order, thereby reinstating authority…

IndustryLatest Stories

Karnataka Revises Setback Rules for Bengaluru Buildings

BENGALURU: In a significant development for future construction in the tech capital, the state government has amended the zonal regulations under the Revised Master Plan (RMP) 2015. Effective from August 1, this amendment introduces clear and updated setback norms for buildings, particularly those exceeding 12 meters in height. The term “setback” refers to the minimum open space required between a building and its property boundary. This has long been a contentious issue in urban planning within the city, where rapid vertical expansion has often outpaced regulatory guidelines. The new rules aim to clarify setback requirements based on building height and…

InfrastructureLatest Stories

Centre Seeks Nod for Drone Mapping in 353 Karnataka Villages

Representative image created by AI BEGNALURU: The state government is making significant strides to expedite property surveys through the Centre’s SVAMITVA scheme, seeking approval from the Union Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) to operate drones over 353 red zone villages. These villages are close to sensitive locations such as airports, military bases, and other high-security areas, requiring prior clearance for drone operations. This initiative is part of a broader plan to complete aerial surveys in all 30,715 villages by March 2026, aiming to establish legal ownership records and address rural land disputes. Union Panchayat Raj Minister SP Singh Baghel recently…

IndustryLatest Stories

Karnataka to Develop Policies Supporting Real Estate Sector

AI generated image for representation purposes. BENGALURU: The Karnataka government is dedicated to fostering a policy environment that bolsters the real estate sector, as stated by a senior official on Thursday. Karnataka Urban Development Department Additional Chief Secretary Tushar Giri Nath delivered the keynote at the second CII Karnataka Real Estate Conference here. “To develop Tier 2 and 3 cities as future growth engines, a robust transportation network, integrated urban planning, and aligned policy frameworks are vital,” he noted. Nath emphasized that as Karnataka experiences swift urbanization, it is essential to ensure that growth remains inclusive and carefully planned. “We…

Latest StoriesRegulatory

Karnataka to Charge for Groundwater; Meters Required for All

BENGALURU: In a significant effort to manage groundwater resources and promote sustainability, the state government has introduced fees ranging from Re 1 to Rs 35 per cubic metre for various users of groundwater, including individuals, housing societies, commercial establishments, industries, and mining operations throughout the state. The fees will affect all types of residential complexes, group housing societies, as well as government bodies providing water in urban settings. Commercial entities and mining operations will also be subject to these new regulations. Moreover, the government has mandated that all residential and commercial property owners secure a no-objection certificate (NOC) prior to…

InfrastructureLatest Stories

Karnataka CM Halts Land Acquisition for Aerospace Park

The Chief Minister of Karnataka, Siddaramaiah, announced on Tuesday that the government will not proceed with plans to acquire land near Bengaluru’s international airport for an aerospace park, effectively putting an end to a three-year-long protest by farmers. Farmers from several villages in Devanahalli taluk have been demonstrating against the acquisition of their agricultural lands for industrial development. After extensive discussions with farmer leaders, the CM mentioned that the government is open to purchasing land from farmers willing to sell, offering higher compensation than the market value or a greater share of developed land as trade. Officials stated that these…

IndustryLatest Stories

Karnataka Urban Development: Hope for B Khata Property Owners

BENGALURU: Good news for B khata property owners awaiting building plans, Cauvery water connections, and electricity supply. Dr. Rajendra Prasad, the Deputy Chief Minister’s personal secretary, has reached out to the Additional Chief Secretary of the Urban Development Department to address the concerns of over 150,000 property owners affected by the Supreme Court’s ruling on illegal constructions. This initiative stems from a letter by former BJP Bengaluru South president NR Ramesh. He highlighted, “Most buildings are constructed on B khata properties. In the interest of property owners, a plan should be devised to sanction building plans for these properties, possibly…