#Housing Law

The Allahabad High Court has ruled that housing authorities cannot cancel flat allotments after payment has been made without providing the allottee a meaningful opportunity to be heard. This sets a critical precedent for public housing bodies, affirming that substantive rights accrue upon allotment and procedural fairness is non-negotiable - even in administrative schemes offering discounts.

Maharashtra State Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission rules that delayed rent payments under the MHADA Act entitle housing authorities to impose penalties without constituting a deficiency in service. The ruling clarifies that tenants cannot claim service deficiency for lawful penalty demands, reinforcing landlord rights under housing laws.

Allahabad HC rules that procedural fairness under the One Time Settlement Scheme 2026 mandates relief for petitioners who make partial deposits in good faith, even if full payment is delayed. The court directed GDA to allow the petitioner to avail the scheme after depositing Rs. 8 lakh, reinforcing equitable considerations in housing disputes.

The Madhya Pradesh High Court ruled that the Madhya Pradesh Housing Board must adhere to the Supreme Court's B.S.S. Parihar guidelines on lease price escalation, ensuring procedural fairness. The court directed the Board to reconsider escalation decisions and refund excess amounts collected from lessees, reinforcing judicial oversight over administrative discretion in housing disputes.

Bombay High Court rules that authorities cannot demolish structures while a regularisation application is pending, ensuring procedural fairness and protection of housing rights under Articles 14 and 21. The court mandated timely disposal of such applications within eight weeks, preventing coercive action until adjudication.