HC ruling provides relief to residents against HSVP’s enhancement demands

In a significant relief to families residing in group housing societies of Sector 24, the Punjab and Haryana High Court has ruled against the Haryana Urban Development Authority’s (HSVP) demand for crores of rupees in the name of enhancement. The court, led by Justice Arun Palli and Justice Vikram Aggarwal, stated that there is no liability on the allottees for the additional area added later in the sector.

The residents of Sector 24 had been grappling with this issue since 2013, and the case had been pending in the High Court since 2017. Despite their prolonged struggle, a favorable verdict was reached, marking a crucial victory for the sector’s inhabitants.

HSVP had acquired land from Sector 24 to Sector 28 of Panchkula in 1997, encompassing 44 acres at that time. In 2011-12, an additional 76 acres of land along the Ghaggar River were included in Sector 24. Subsequently, the enhancement amount for the already allotted land to group housing societies was increased significantly, creating financial burdens for each society.

The residents were asked to pay for the land cost increase on 100 acres of common land against the salable area of 19 acres. The initially issued land cost increment was at the rate of Rs 6021.56 per square yard, followed by a second increment of Rs 8899 per square meter, resulting in a total increase of Rs 14,920 per square yard.

In response, a petition was filed in the Punjab and Haryana High Court in 2017 on behalf of Himprastha Co-operative Group Housing Society, Sector 24, and others, challenging the HSVP’s notice. The residents argued that increasing the enhancement amount by adding 76 acres of area was unjust. The court, after hearing their arguments, fixed the enhancement amount at Rs 2255 per square yard.

The President of Sector 24 Resident Welfare Association, HD Sharma, and General Secretary Upendra Pathak expressed gratitude for the High Court’s decision, relieving flat holders from the financial burden. Diwakar Sharma, President of Himaprastha Co-operative Group Housing Society, acknowledged the support of Vice President GianChand Gupta, who stood alongside the residents during this challenging period.

This High Court decision has brought immense relief to flat holders, sparking joy and a sense of victory in Sector 24. The ruling signifies a significant win for the residents and sets a precedent for fair treatment in matters of land enhancement.