Supreme Court issues notice to Odisha govt on unauthorized construction

Bhubaneswar: The Supreme Court has directed Odisha government to submit a ‘compliance report’ within 2 weeks. Orders have been issued regarding issuance of circulars regarding unauthorized construction, acquisition certificate or OC.

As per reports, a few months ago, the Supreme Court had issued guidelines for acquisition certificate and directed the Chief Secretaries of all states to issue circulars. However, as Odisha government failed to issue this circular, the Supreme Court has issued a ‘contempt of court case’.

1. The builder will have to give a written undertaking, “No acquisition without OC”.
2. The builder will have to display the approved plan at the construction site.
3. Construction completion/acquisition certificate will be issued by the authority only after inspection.
4. If any deviation is found, the completion/occupation certificate will be suspended till it is rectified.
5. Electricity, water, and transport connections will be provided only after OC.
6. If deviation/violation is found after OC, (i) action against the builder, (ii) departmental action against the concerned officer.
7. No business license or permission for business/trade will be granted for any unauthorized construction.
8. Any development should be as per the Zonal Plan.
9. Other departments shall provide immediate assistance to the Planning Department (on request) in matters related to action against unauthorized construction. In case such cooperation is not provided, then 10th State shall initiate disciplinary action against the concerned officer.
10. Appeals should be decided within 90 days.
11. The Government should issue a circular warning all concerned to strictly follow the previous orders and this order. Failure to do so will attract departmental action.
12. Banks will accept only construction with OC as collateral for sanctioning loans.
13. Any violation of the above orders will attract contempt proceedings as per the relevant laws.