Chandigarh, 23 February — The Punjab government has implemented the Punjab Apartment and Property Regulation (Amendment) Act, 2024, following Governor Gulab Chand Kataria’s approval. The amendment removes the requirement for a no-objection certificate (NOC) for registering land deeds, a move expected to provide relief to millions while curbing illegal colonies.
According to an official statement, the amendments address challenges in property registration and unauthorized construction while enforcing stricter penalties for violations. “The act ensures stringent control over illegal colonies while giving relief to small plot holders,” said Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann.
How the Act Benefits Residents
The amendment waives the NOC requirement for plot owners with holdings up to 500 square yards in the state’s estimated 14,000 unauthorized colonies, provided the plots were purchased before July 31, 2024. Officials said this will reduce bureaucratic hurdles and streamline property registrations.
Key Amendments to the Act
A new sub-section (5) has been added to Section 20, requiring registrars to inform development authorities and local bodies about each registration. Even after the exemption period, subsequent sales can be registered as long as the property remains undivided.
Section 36(1) has been revised to impose stricter penalties. Violators of Section 5 now face imprisonment between five and ten years and fines ranging from ₹25 lakh to ₹5 crore.
Background on PAPRA
Enacted in 1995, the Punjab Apartment and Property Regulation Act governs new colony development and construction regulations. It was first amended in 2014 to curb unauthorized colonies, but the changes made obtaining NOCs for sale deed registrations and utility connections more difficult for small plot owners.
The latest amendment aims to strike a balance between regulating illegal developments and easing property-related challenges for residents.
