RegNews, Delhi: The Supreme Court ordered the realty firm Supertech’s Emerald Court project’s twin 40-storey towers in Noida in three months at its own expenses under the supervision of an expert body. It also asked the firm to return the money paid by flat owners of the twin towers with 12 per cent interest. In fact, there are 1000 flats in twin towers. The Supreme Court gave the decision dismissing the Supertech’s appeal against the Allahabad High Court, which asked the firm to raze the towers – Apex and Ceyane towers – to the ground for violation of building laws.
Along with the Supertech, Noida Authority moved the SC in appeal against the HC verdict. In the light of the judgement, the SC made several observations. It opined that structures that are harmful to environment should not be permitted at all under any circumstances. The land value appreciated in towns, the illegal structures mushroomed. He described the current phenomenon surfaced as developers and planning authorities became hand-in-glove with each other.
The SC Bench which heard the appeal opined that it should be verified whether there is an approved plan to build the structure, whether the construction activity is going on as per the plan without any deviations, whether the structure is coming up on the allotted site. Besides inspecting these, the permissions granted by various government departments, issue of completion certificate should be checked at every stage in a foolproof manner.
Delivering a 140-page judgement on the appeal, the Bench felt that the people undoubtedly should be provided homes in metropolitan cities. But, efforts should be made at safeguarding the environment and those who live in the homes. It opined that there should be a regulatory mechanism to not to allow the structures that would pose threat to environment.
In a rather harsh tone, the bench observed urban planning would become questionable, if developers conduct themselves with negligence without taking the support of the regulatory authorities. It would hamper the environment and the authorities would have compromise with the safety standards.
That is why the Bench asked the authorities to get tough with the developers if there is a violation of rules in building construction.
Because of the builders and city planning authorities becoming hand-in-glove with each other, the innocent buyers of flats are at a loss. It affects the buyers’ quality of life. Developers with strong financial power and city planning officials with their authority would have to wage costly legal battles, it opined.
