The Karnataka Assembly has passed the Karnataka Municipal Corporations (Amendment) Bill, enabling municipal commissioners to regularise unlawful buildings by levying penalties. The move comes even as the Akrama-Sakrama scheme, which sought to address unauthorised constructions, remains pending before the Supreme Court.

The Bill exempts smaller residential properties from the requirement of commencement certificates (CC) and occupancy certificates (OC), a measure the government said is aimed at benefiting the poor and middle-class. Sites of 20x30 ft and 30x40 ft are expected to fall within this exemption.

Urban Development Minister B S Suresha (Byrathi), who piloted the Bill, said the amendments will apply only to unlawful buildings that can be regularised under existing bylaws or relevant Acts, and will not cover properties already ordered for demolition. Under the new framework, penalties can be levied for deviations from sanctioned plans or zoning regulations, with the permissible threshold for violations raised from 5 per cent to 15 per cent.

The Bill also introduces provisions allowing municipal corporations to empanel professional architects, engineers and town planners as authorised persons to inspect construction, certify compliance and sanction building plans. Engineers will be permitted to approve plans for buildings up to 4,000 sq ft.

Suresha clarified that the measure is distinct from the Akrama-Sakrama scheme and does not exempt unlicensed properties from CC and OC requirements.

News source: Deccan Herald