In a significant move to curb illegal property dealings, the Gurgaon district town planning enforcement wing has officially instructed the sub-registrar in Manesar to stop all registration and transaction activities related to a commercial project by Raheja Developers in Sector 84. This directive comes after authorities discovered that the project's development licence expired over four years ago, on May 16, 2019, and was never renewed.
Licence Lapse and Regulatory Action
According to an official communication from the Department of Town and Country Planning (DTCP), the licence for the 2.3-acre commercial colony was not renewed within the stipulated timeframe. The DTCP cited Rule 13 of the Haryana Development and Regulation of Urban Areas Rules, 1976, which mandates that a licence holder must apply for renewal at least one month before its expiry date.
The enforcement order reveals that the developer failed to submit a renewal application for years after the licence lapsed. Consequently, the DTCP has directed that a red entry be made in the relevant revenue records to formally flag the issue and prevent any future registration of documents tied to this land parcel.
Immediate Stoppage and Wider Crackdown
The order carries immediate effect, instructing the builder to stop all construction and development work at the site. Copies of the cancellation order have been sent to senior officials, including the Director General of Town and Country Planning for Haryana, the Gurgaon Deputy Commissioner, and the Senior Town Planner of the Gurgaon circle.
DTCP officials clarified that this action is part of a broader enforcement drive targeting projects where licences have expired, legal mandates have been violated, or renewal norms have been ignored. The primary goal is to protect the interests of potential homebuyers and investors from entering into legally precarious agreements.
Legal Implications and Buyer Advisory
A DTCP official emphasized the legal ramifications of purchasing property in an unlicensed project. Once a licence expires and is not renewed as per rules, any sale or conveyance deed becomes legally untenable. The sub-registrar's office is legally bound to ensure no registrations occur in such cases.
In light of this incident, officials have issued a strong advisory to the public. Prospective buyers and investors are urged to verify the current licence status of any project directly with the DTCP before committing to any financial transaction or signing any documents. This due diligence is crucial to avoid future legal and financial complications.
When contacted, a spokesperson for Raheja Developers claimed they were unaware of the specific order but stated that they have applied for the licence renewal. The situation highlights the ongoing challenges in real estate regulation and the critical need for transparency to safeguard consumer interests in Gurgaon's dynamic property market.
