No sale of illegal buildings

Govt hopes ban will check constructions

The Delhi government has decided to ban the sale and purchase of properties that violate building by-laws and the master plan. Enforcing the ban will be the sub-registrar’s office, which currently has little say.

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At present, all properties — legal or illegal — are registered in the city without much fuss: the sub-registrar only collects the stamp duty and does the registration. But this will not continue for long.

Urban Development Minister A.K. Walia told HT that directions would soon be issued to the sub-registrar to register only the properties built according to the sanctioned plan and the by-laws.

“Normally basement, ground, first and second floors are allowed in most parts of the city. If anything beyond this comes for registration, the sub-registrar will have the power not to register the property,” Walia said. In such a situation, the sub-registrar will ask for the sanctioned building plan and then a completion certificate from either the DDA or the MCD.

The sale and purchase of shops in residential colonies will also be banned. The registration of shops will be strictly scrutinised.

Officials are also trying to plug loopholes. For example, what if someone registers an illegal Delhi property in a neighbouring state. At present, any Delhi property can be registered outside if the purchaser pays the stamp duty of that state.

After the draft of the ban proposal is prepared, it will be submitted before the cabinet for approval.