Bengaluru Real Estate Update: No OC Required for Large Plots
The Karnataka Cabinet has decided to exempt residential buildings constructed on plots larger than 1,200 square feet within Bengaluru from the mandatory requirement of obtaining an Occupancy Certificate (OC). This move aims to address the issue of electricity connections being withheld for thousands of completed houses.
Bengaluru Real EstateOccupancy CertificateKarnataka CabinetElectricity ConnectionsHousing RegulationsReal EstateSep 28, 2025
Under the exemption, structures built on plots exceeding 1,200 sq ft, subject to verification and compliance checks, will be eligible for basic civic amenities like electricity even without an OC, according to a Bengaluru Mirror report.
The move comes after the Supreme Court (SC) had earlier made OC mandatory for power connections, leaving over 3.3 lakh completed buildings across the state of Karnataka without electricity. However, the cabinet has now decided to provide one-time relief by framing a specific law, enabling such buildings to get legal electricity connections, the report said.
The report said the new exemption for larger buildings follows an earlier Karnataka Cabinet decision that allows OC waivers for buildings up to 1,200 sq ft. This decision is aimed at providing relief to homeowners and developers who have faced significant challenges in obtaining necessary approvals and connections.
Not all larger buildings will be exempted, and the government has the power to selectively grant relief after verification. The report said that penalties will be imposed on rule violators, and new legal measures will be introduced in the legislature to prevent this violation.
Currently, more than 25,000 buildings in Mumbai do not have a legal OC. However, the municipal corporation and the electricity distributor provide legal connections of both water and electricity to these buildings, regardless of their size, on a humanitarian basis. However, the municipal corporation charges additional fees per unit of water consumption for housing societies having water connections without a legal OC.
This decision by the Karnataka Cabinet is expected to provide immediate relief to thousands of homeowners and developers in Bengaluru, easing the process of obtaining essential civic amenities and reducing the administrative burden. The government's focus on verification and compliance checks ensures that the exemption does not compromise the safety and quality of construction in the city.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did the Karnataka Cabinet decide to exempt OC for large plots?
The Karnataka Cabinet decided to exempt Occupancy Certificates (OC) for residential buildings on plots larger than 1,200 sq ft to address the issue of electricity connections being withheld for thousands of completed houses lacking approved plans and OCs.
What is the size threshold for the OC exemption?
The size threshold for the OC exemption is 1,200 square feet. Buildings constructed on plots larger than this size will be exempt from the mandatory requirement of obtaining an OC.
Will all large buildings be exempted from OC requirements?
Not all large buildings will be exempted. The government has the power to selectively grant relief after verification, and penalties will be imposed on rule violators.
How does this decision affect homeowners and developers?
This decision provides immediate relief to homeowners and developers by easing the process of obtaining essential civic amenities like electricity and reducing the administrative burden.
What is the situation in other cities like Mumbai regarding OCs?
In Mumbai, more than 25,000 buildings do not have a legal OC. However, the municipal corporation and electricity distributor provide legal connections of both water and electricity to these buildings, regardless of their size, on a humanitarian basis. The municipal corporation charges additional fees per unit of water consumption for housing societies without a legal OC.
Tags:
Related News Articles
Retail Revolution: India's Retail Space Expected to Boom by 50%
The top seven cities in India, including Mumbai, Delhi NCR, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Pune, Kolkata, and Chennai, are projected to witness a surge in retail space, with Delhi NCR leading the charge.
Insolvency Proceedings Initiated Against Jaiprakash Associates by NCLT
The National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) has initiated insolvency proceedings against Jaiprakash Associates, a leading real estate developer, following a plea by ICICI Bank.
Whiteland Corp Partners with Marriott International for Luxurious Housing Project in Gurgaon
Real estate developer Whiteland Corporation has signed an agreement with Marriott International to bring Westin Residences to Gurgaon, offering a luxurious housing project with hotel-inspired lifestyle
New LTCG Rules Bring Relief to Homeowners, Boost Real Estate Stocks
The Finance Minister's decision to amend the LTCG rules has brought cheer to homeowners and boosted real estate stocks. Here's what it means for you.
Shaping Urban India: The Evolution of Real Estate Since Independence
India's real estate sector has played a pivotal role in shaping urban development since independence. With the urban population growing from 62 million in 1947 to over 485 million today, the sector has undergone significant transformations.
Mumbai Police Arrests Conman Who Duped Real Estate Developer of ₹4 Crore and 3.5Kg Gold
Worli police apprehended Dhirendra Chandrakant Shukla, a wanted real estate agent, for duping Avighna Group of Rs2 crore and 3.5kg gold by promising a vacant plot in Worli for development.