The Punjab and Haryana High Court has limited its stay on the Haryana government's Stilt+4 policy exclusively to Gurugram, a decision that will allow construction projects under the policy to continue in other parts of the state. The order was passed by a division bench comprising Justice G S Sandhawalia and Justice Vikas Suri, who clarified that the interim stay would apply only to Gurugram district.
Background of the Stilt+4 Policy
The Stilt+4 policy, introduced by the Haryana government, permits the construction of four additional floors above a stilt parking area, thereby increasing the floor area ratio (FAR) for residential and commercial buildings. The policy was challenged in the High Court by residents and activists, who argued that it would lead to increased population density, strain on infrastructure, and violation of building bylaws.
Court's Rationale
While issuing the stay order, the High Court observed that Gurugram, being a rapidly urbanizing city with unique challenges, required a closer examination of the policy's implications. The court noted that the policy's implementation in other cities may not face similar issues, and thus the stay was confined to Gurugram. The bench also directed the state government to file a detailed reply on the matter within four weeks.
Reactions
The Haryana government has welcomed the decision, stating that it will facilitate housing and commercial development in the state. However, petitioners expressed disappointment, arguing that the policy's impact on infrastructure and environment should be assessed uniformly across the state. The matter is scheduled for further hearing next month.
