JKRERA Issues Notices to 100 Developers for Non-Registration
The Jammu and Kashmir Real Estate Regulatory Authority (JKRERA) has intensified its enforcement actions by issuing notices to nearly 100 developers for marketing or operating real estate projects without the required registration under the Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act. Despite persistent efforts, only two projects have been registered in Jammu so far, while compliance in other districts of the Union Territory remains minimal.
The Section 3(1) of the Real Estate Regulatory Act mandates that no promoter shall advertise, market, book, sell, or offer for sale any plot, apartment, or building in a real estate project without registering the project with the Real Estate Regulatory Authority. This provision applies to both private developers and government bodies such as the Jammu Development Authority, Srinagar Development Authority, and J&K Housing Board.
Despite the legal requirement, these government bodies have not yet complied. This is particularly concerning given the rapid growth of the real estate sector in Jammu and Kashmir, especially in the twin capital cities of Jammu and Srinagar, where numerous residential and commercial projects are either ongoing or being planned.
Taking serious note of the widespread non-compliance, the JKRERA has issued notices to nearly 100 developers. Of these, around 20 are based in Srinagar, while the majority are concentrated in the Jammu and Samba districts. “As many more developers, though not necessarily handling large-scale projects, are still avoiding registration, JKRERA has begun gathering project-related details from Revenue authorities to initiate enforcement proceedings against them as well,” sources informed.
However, the flow of information from Revenue authorities to JKRERA remains inadequate. “In the absence of necessary details, the Authority is not in a position to proceed effectively, particularly against the small developers, whose number far exceeds those of large-scale promoters,” sources emphasized. They stressed that greater cooperation from the Revenue Department is crucial to ensure that the core objectives of the Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act are achieved in letter and spirit.
During a high-level meeting held early last month, the Chief Secretary reviewed the functioning of JKRERA and underscored the need for enhanced inter-departmental coordination and timely interventions to ensure full compliance with the Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act. Directions were issued to all concerned departments to extend full support to JKRERA, resolve coordination challenges, expedite the infrastructure setup, and ensure that no real estate project operates outside the regulatory framework.
The most disturbing aspect, sources said, is that even after the issuance of formal notices, key government agencies such as the Jammu Development Authority (JDA), Srinagar Development Authority (SDA), and J&K Housing Board have still not come forward to register their ongoing and upcoming projects with JKRERA. This continued reluctance to comply with statutory obligations is being viewed seriously by the Authority.
The JKRERA exercises full jurisdiction over all commercial and residential real estate projects within Jammu and Kashmir, except for projects under 500 square meters, projects with fewer than 8 apartments, projects completed before the Act’s commencement, and renovation projects not involving new sale or marketing.
