Godrej Properties Surprised by CBI FIR on Chandigarh Project
Godrej Properties, a leading real estate developer, has expressed surprise over the CBI registering an FIR against the company for alleged violations of environmental rules in a completed project in Chandigarh. The company will take necessary steps to pro
Godrej PropertiesCbi FirEnvironmental RulesReal EstateChandigarh ProjectReal EstateFeb 26, 2025
The company will take all necessary steps to protect the interests of its customers.
CBI has registered an FIR against Berkeley Realtech Ltd (now known as RSA Motors Pvt Ltd) and Godrej Estate Developers for alleged cheating and corruption in the development of their project in Chandigarh.
The FIR is based on a preliminary enquiry conducted in 2023 following a complaint from an under secretary at Punjab Raj Bhawan.
The CBI alleges that Berkeley Square, developed by Berkeley Realtech Ltd, and Godrej Eternia, developed by Godrej Estate Developers in Chandigarh's Industrial Area, violated environmental laws.
The project is suspected to fall within the 10 km radius eco-sensitive zones of the Sukhna Wildlife Sanctuary and the City Bird Sanctuary.
Reacting to the development, a Godrej Properties spokesperson stated, 'We are surprised with this development, which was just brought to our attention.
This action by the Agency appears to be in furtherance to the notices which we had received last year regarding Godrej Eternia (Project), citing lack of National Board of Wildlife (NBWL) clearance as a violation of Environmental Clearance (EC), because the project fell within 10 km of Sukhna Wildlife Sanctuary.'
These notices were immediately challenged by the company, and the matter has been taken to the High Court of Punjab and Haryana in Chandigarh.
The company has demonstrated that no blanket Eco-Sensitive Zone (ESZ) of 10 km was imposed by the Supreme Court.
The fundamental allegation is that clearance from the National Board of Wildlife (NBWL) was not obtained, which is considered a violation of EC.
However, the company argues that the EC never stipulated any condition mandating clearance from the NBWL.
Additionally, the Union Territory of Chandigarh notified the final limits of the Environmentally Sensitive Zone (ESZ) at a maximum of 2.75 km from the boundary of the Sukhna Wildlife Sanctuary in a Gazette Notification dated January 18, 2017.
Godrej Eternia is located 6.6 km away from the boundary of the Sukhna Wildlife Sanctuary.
The company further states that the grant of approvals by the concerned departments, in the absence of NBWL clearance, which was never explicitly required under the EC, is being treated as a criminal offense 10 years after the completion of the project with requisite approvals, including the Occupancy Certificate (OC) and Completion of Title (CTO), despite full compliance with the conditions therein.
Godrej Properties, a responsible developer, has always complied with the conditions and directions contained in the project approvals and has not violated any laws.
'We are taking advice from our counsels and will take all necessary steps to safeguard the interest of the project and its customers,' the company spokesperson added.
Godrej Properties has a significant presence in major cities across India, including Delhi-NCR, Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR), Pune, and Bengaluru.
The company is committed to sustainable development and adheres to all legal and regulatory requirements in its real estate projects.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the CBI FIR against Godrej Properties about?
The CBI FIR is about alleged violations of environmental rules in a completed project in Chandigarh, specifically the Godrej Eternia project, which is suspected to fall within the 10 km radius eco-sensitive zones of the Sukhna Wildlife Sanctuary and the City Bird Sanctuary.
What actions has Godrej Properties taken in response to the FIR?
Godrej Properties has expressed surprise and is challenging the notice citing lack of National Board of Wildlife (NBWL) clearance. The company has taken the matter to the High Court of Punjab and Haryana and will take all necessary steps to protect the interest of the project and its customers.
Was the Godrej Eternia project within the Eco-Sensitive Zone (ESZ)?
Godrej Properties argues that the project is 6.6 km away from the boundary of the Sukhna Wildlife Sanctuary, which is outside the 2.75 km ESZ limit notified by the Union Territory of Chandigarh in 2017.
What is the legal basis for the CBI's action?
The CBI's action is based on a preliminary enquiry conducted in 2023 on a complaint from an under secretary at Punjab Raj Bhawan, alleging that the project violated environmental laws, including the lack of NBWL clearance.
How has Godrej Properties responded to the allegations of non-compliance with environmental laws?
Godrej Properties has consistently maintained that they have complied with all conditions and directions contained in the project approvals and have not violated any laws. They are taking advice from their counsels and will take all necessary steps to protect customer interests.
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