The Punjab Legislative Assembly has passed the Punjab Apartment and Property Regulation (Amendment) Act, 2024, marking a significant shift in property regulation and the fight against illegal colonies. This amendment aims to eliminate the requirement for a No Objection Certificate (NOC) for property registration in unauthorized colonies, providing a sense of relief for small plot owners and property buyers.Relief for Property Owners and Small Plot HoldersWith the passing of this bill, residents of illegal colonies will no longer face the cumbersome process of obtaining an NOC to register their property. According to Chief Minister BhagwantSingh Mann, the new amendment removes the need for an NOC for areas up to 500 square yards in colonies where Power of Attorney and stamp papers were previously used for transactions until July 31, 2024. This move is expected to streamline the registration process and bring much-needed relief to those who had been struggling with legal formalities.The bill aims to address several challenges faced by the common people, especially those whose properties were located in unauthorized colonies. Now, property owners can register their plots directly with the concerned registrar, sub-registrar, or joint sub-registrar, according to the date notified by the government.Tough Penalties for Non-ComplianceUnder the new law, violators who fail to comply with the provisions of Section-5 of the Act may face severe penalties. If found guilty, promoters or agents could face a fine of at least Rs 25 lakh, which could escalate to Rs 5 crore. Additionally, the guilty parties could be sentenced to a minimum of five years in prison, with the possibility of the sentence being extended to ten years.End to the Expansion of Illegal ColoniesChief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann criticized the illegal colonizers who deceived people with false promises of well-developed colonies and then sold properties without approval. These unauthorized colonies lack essential amenities like street lighting, sewage systems, and other infrastructure, leaving the residents in distress. Mann emphasized that this amendment would help the millions of citizens who had unknowingly invested their hard-earned money in these illegal colonies.He also condemned the political leaders who supported these illegal builders, stating that the public would never forgive those who sheltered these criminals. This bill, he said, would bring much-needed justice to the victims of such exploitation.Major Relief for Punjabs Property BuyersFor many property buyers, this amendment signals an end to years of legal battles and complicated procedures. It allows them to register their properties without facing additional bureaucratic hurdles, helping them secure their investments in an orderly manner.
