Karnataka Clears Bill to Regularise Unlawful Buildings, Exempts Small Properties

22 Aug 2025 CW Team

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

Infrastructure Urban

06 Jul 2026

ABS Marine Sees CRISIL Credit Rating Upgrade

ABS Marine Services has secured an upgrade to its long term and short term credit ratings from CRISIL, reflecting improved profitability and revenue growth through long term contracts. CRISIL moved the long term rating from BBB+/Stable to A-/Stable and revised the short term rating from A2 to A2+. The action signals strengthened financial metrics and operational resilience. The company benefited from durable client relationships with firms such as ONGC and Schlumberger. The rating decision followed stronger cash flows and an enlarged bank loan facility, which increased from Rs 3,705 million (m..

Project BRAHMANK Marks 16 Years Of Strategic Roads In Arunachal

Project BRAHMANK is marking 16 years of work to establish strategic road and bridge links across Arunachal Pradesh, maintaining and developing 811 kilometres of roads and nearly 86 bridges that range from small culverts to large steel and arch bridges. These transport links are described as critical for ensuring year-round movement of defence personnel, equipment and essential supplies while improving everyday travel for people in remote villages. The project balances national security requirements with regional development by focusing on reliable access in challenging terrain. Notable enginee..

Longleng CSOs Give One Week Ultimatum Over Two-Lane Highway

Civil society organisations (CSOs) in Longleng district have demanded immediate restoration of the deteriorating Changtongya–Longleng two-lane road and sought a detailed status report on the stalled construction within one week. The demand followed a consultative meeting convened under the Phom Peoples' Council (PPC) to discuss welfare and development concerns. PPC president YB Angam Phom said prolonged non-maintenance had caused hardship to commuters and affected transportation, local commerce and the district's development. The meeting urged authorities to undertake immediate restoration a..