#Master Plan

Gauhati HC rules that the Guwahati Metropolitan Development Authority (GMDA) holds overriding jurisdiction over Gaon Panchayat areas covered under a notified Master Plan, even if prior permission was granted by the Panchayat. The court clarified that a written reply suffices for natural justice where facts are undisputed, reinforcing municipal authority supremacy in urban planning enforcement.

The Supreme Court ruled that an approved Master Plan under the Delhi Development Act overrides deemed forest status claims under the Forest (Conservation) Act, even if tree growth occurred post-acquisition. This binding precedent clarifies that statutory urban development plans take precedence over subsequent environmental classifications, impacting railway land development and urban planning authorities.

Karnataka High Court holds that municipal sanction cannot override Master Plan buffer zones around lakes; mandates committee to remove encroachments and enforce compliance.

Andhra Pradesh High Court holds that land classified as Brown Zone (Hills) without geographical basis is arbitrary; authorities must rectify such errors in master plans within 12 weeks.