Siddhant Mohite, Mumbai Uncensored, 27th July, 2023:
Alleged Collusion with Government Officials Raises Concerns over Legality of Projects. BMC K West Assistant Municipal Commissioner Prithviraj Chavan, Executive Engineer Mr. Kolekar, Assistant Engineer Somesh Shinde and Sub Engineer Gholap seem to be a part of this cartel of protecting unauthorised constructions, as they haven’t taken any action even after several complaints from citizens and social organisations.
Mumbai, June 24, 2023 – Dev Land Housing (DLH), a prominent real estate developer in Mumbai, is facing scrutiny and allegations of illegality as it has come to light that many of its buildings lack the mandatory Occupation Certificates (OCs). An Occupation Certificate is a crucial document issued by local government agencies to ensure that a building complies with building codes, regulations, and laws, signifying its suitability for occupancy.
According to sources, DLH has constructed numerous buildings across Mumbai, but a significant number of them lack the necessary OCs. An RTI (Right to Information) inquiry has revealed that several legal documents related to DLH’s real estate projects are missing from government offices, raising concerns about the transparency and legality of the company’s operations.
An Occupancy Certificate is granted after a thorough assessment of various factors. These include verifying if the property has been constructed according to the approved plan, compliance with building codes, availability of basic necessities such as drainage and electricity, and obtaining all the required clearances, including a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the fire department.
However, it has been discovered that DLH’s buildings have not adhered to these standards. Violations of floor space index (FSI) regulations have also been identified in several of the developer’s projects. These findings raise serious questions about DLH’s construction practices and their adherence to legal requirements.
Moreover, the alleged involvement of government officials in the irregularities surrounding DLH’s projects has further deepened the suspicions. Concerned officers, who are responsible for safeguarding the documents, have refused to provide any information regarding DLH’s real estate ventures. Sources have indicated that these officials may be colluding with the developer to protect their interests, thereby hindering transparency and accountability.
The absence of OCs for DLH’s buildings has significant legal implications. The Bombay High Court has unequivocally ruled that it is illegal to occupy flats in buildings without the mandatory municipal Occupation Certificate. The certificate acts as proof that the building has complied with the approved plans, and its absence renders the entire structure unauthorized and potentially unsafe.
The failure of DLH to obtain OCs raises concerns about the safety and well-being of the occupants of these buildings. Residents who have invested in DLH’s properties may find themselves in a precarious situation, living in structures that lack the necessary approvals from the authorities.
The authorities must take immediate action to investigate DLH’s real estate practices thoroughly. Any collusion between the developer and government officials must be thoroughly probed, and strict action must be taken against those found responsible for compromising the integrity of the system.
DLH and its associated parties should be held accountable for any violations and irregularities in their projects. The well-being and safety of the residents must be prioritized, and steps should be taken to ensure that all buildings comply with the necessary legal requirements, including obtaining the mandatory Occupation Certificates.
As the investigation unfolds, affected residents and the public at large eagerly await a resolution that upholds the principles of legality and accountability in the real estate sector, providing justice to those who have been affected by DLH’s alleged disregard for the law.
