Thu Apr 02 17:03:36 UTC 2026: ### Headline: Greater Bengaluru Authority Proposes Relaxation of Building Deviation Limits, Sparking Controversy

The Story:

The Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA) has proposed increasing the permissible deviation limit in building constructions from the existing 5% to 15%. This move aims to provide relief to an estimated 3 to 3.5 lakh properties in Bengaluru currently lacking Occupancy Certificates (OCs) due to deviations from sanctioned building plans. A December 2024 Supreme Court order mandated OCs for utility service connections, leaving many properties without essential services. The proposed relaxation, outlined in the draft of the Bengaluru City Corporation Building (Amendment) Bye-laws, 2026, is expected to generate additional revenue for civic bodies while potentially benefiting at least 40% of the affected properties.

However, the proposal is facing opposition from civic activists who argue that it will encourage further violations of building norms. They draw parallels to the previously stayed Akrama-Sakrama scheme, which aimed to regularize up to 50% of deviations. Critics contend that such regularizations are unfair to law-abiding citizens and incentivize future non-compliance.

Key Points:

  • The GBA proposes increasing permissible building deviation limits from 5% to 15%.
  • This aims to help 3 to 3.5 lakh properties lacking Occupancy Certificates (OCs) due to deviations.
  • A December 2024 Supreme Court order mandated OCs for utility service connections.
  • The draft amendment allows up to 15% deviation in total setbacks, with limitations on single-side deviations.
  • Deviation in Floor Area Ratio (FAR) is allowed, with specific limits based on building height and plot size.
  • Penalties for regularizing deviations will be calculated based on the Guidance Value of the plot.
  • Civic activists oppose the proposal, citing concerns about encouraging violations and unfairness to compliant citizens.
  • The Akrama-Sakrama scheme, which proposed regularizing up to 50% deviation, was stayed by the Supreme Court in 2017.

Key Takeaways:

  • The GBA is attempting to address a significant backlog of properties lacking OCs due to building deviations.
  • The proposal balances the need for revenue generation with the practical realities of existing building irregularities.
  • The move highlights the ongoing tension between enforcing building regulations and accommodating deviations in a rapidly growing city.
  • Public trust in building regulations is at stake, and the outcome of this proposal could significantly impact future compliance.
  • The legal history of Akrama-Sakrama underscores the sensitivity and potential for legal challenges surrounding building regularization efforts.

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