MHA Starts New Review of Chandigarh Property Policies
The Ministry of Home Affairs has taken a big step by asking the Chandigarh administration to give detailed comments and current updates on four major property-related issues that have long troubled city residents. This move brings renewed hope for property owners who have been dealing with restrictive policies.
Four Important Areas Under Review
The MHA's inquiry focuses on these critical issues:
Share Sale Rights: The administration must clarify its stance on share-wise property sales, especially after the controversial February 9, 2023 notification that banned such transactions. Recent High Court observations suggest that co-owners may be allowed to sell their shares to existing shareholders, but not to outsiders.
CHB Dwelling Modifications: Need-based changes in Chandigarh Housing Board dwellings require administrative review, as current restrictions limit residents' ability to modify their properties according to family needs.
Lal Dora Abolition: The incorporation of 22 villages into the Municipal Corporation has raised questions about abolishing the traditional Lal Dora system, which could significantly affect land ownership patterns.
Resettlement Colony Rights: Pending ownership rights for residents of the resettlement colony are creating uncertainty for thousands of families lacking proper documentation.
Earlier Parliamentary Discussions
MP Manish Tewari had earlier raised concerns about the share-wise sale ban in Parliament, arguing that the Supreme Court never actually prohibited such sales. The court's directions were specifically about preventing apartmentalisation and fragmentation in heritage sectors, not about restricting legitimate property transactions.
What This Means for Property Owners
This MHA intervention could potentially reverse several restrictive policies. Property owners who have been unable to sell their shares in jointly owned properties may find relief. The legal complexities surrounding partition suits and property auctions might also be simplified through clearer policy guidelines.
Moving Forward
The administration's response to MHA's queries will determine whether these long-standing issues finally get resolved. Given the previous negative responses in Parliament, property owners and legal experts are cautiously optimistic about potential policy changes that could unlock the city's property market.