Pre-RERA apartment registrations: Odisha govt seeks more time from High Court to submit response

Amidst the uncertainty surrounding the registration of pre-2017 apartments, the Odisha government on Wednesday sought additional time to submit its response on the matter in the Orissa High Court. The hearing on the matter was held today.

As a result, the interim order previously issued by the High Court will remain in effect until further proceedings.

Also Read: Pre-RERA apartment registrations in Odisha stuck in legal hurdles 

The case revolves around a government notification that allows the registration of apartments constructed before February 2017. 
This notification was issued with the aim of streamlining property registration and providing legal sanctity to apartments built before the specified date. However, the notification has faced legal challenges, leading to intervention by the High Court.

According to sources, the Odisha government had introduced this notification to address concerns raised by homebuyers and real estate developers. Many apartments constructed before 2017 encountered difficulties in obtaining registration due to regulatory and legal ambiguities. 

The notification was expected to resolve these issues and facilitate the formal registration of such properties. However, certain parties filed petitions against the notification, citing possible violations of legal norms and urban planning regulations.

During the latest hearing, the Odisha government requested the court to grant more time to file its response and provide necessary clarifications on the matter. 

The Orissa High Court acknowledged the request and scheduled the hearing on the matter for next week.  Until then, the interim stay on the notification remains in force, preventing any registrations under the disputed provision.

Legal experts suggest that the outcome of this case could have significant implications for property owners and developers in Odisha. If the High Court upholds the notification, thousands of homeowners could benefit from hassle-free registration of their properties. Conversely, if the notification is struck down, it could lead to further legal complexities and potential financial losses for stakeholders.

Homebuyers and real estate associations are keenly watching the developments, hoping for a resolution that balances legal integrity with the need for practical solutions in the real estate sector. The upcoming hearing is expected to provide more clarity on the issue and determine the future course of apartment registrations in the state.