In a large shift to restrictions unauthorized construction, the state announced that Karnataka Planning Authority (Levy Penal for Jurisdictory Officer for failing to prevent unauthorized development) rules 2021.
These rules, effective from April 8, 2025, hold jurisdictory officers directly responsible for failing to prevent the development of illegal layouts and deviations from approved plans.
The notice stipulates that the sanctions will be imposed by the competent authority based on jurisdiction. Before recovering any punishment, the defendant officer must be issued by a fair hearing. All fines collected will be directed to a specified government account and will be used for developmental purposes.
The announcement categorizes officers across urban and rural planning bodies – from BDA, BBMP, city development authorities and Gram Panchayats – to clearly prove who is responsible in each area. Commissioner BDA, Commissioner of BBMP, can also pay a fine according to the announcement.
Within the new framework, each officer will find negligence for strict sanctions: the first crime is a fine of 50,000 GBP, the second is 1,000,000 GBP and the third and subsequent report on crimes should be submitted to the State Government for disciplinary steps under Karnataka Stavinger Services.
Penalized officers may file an appeal within 45 days. The appeals will be reviewed by higher authorities within 90 days, which will ensure procedural justice.
Published – May 6, 2025 23:46
