Ownership rights likely for houses sold through GPA in Chandigarh
The move follows a fresh review of the Supreme Court judgment
Thousands of property holders are likely to get relief as the UT Administration is drafting a new policy for houses sold through the general power of attorney (GPA), will or related agreements. The move follows a fresh review of the Supreme Court judgment in a case dated November 2011.
Senior officials confirmed that the Administration was examining the implications of the 2011 ruling and had sought legal advice from its legal representative regarding properties sold or occupied through GPA after the verdict. The proposed policy is expected to cover houses transferred on GPA, will or similar documents up to November 2011, while exploring solutions for transactions executed after that period.
According to official estimates, more than 40,000 houses across various villages and colonies in the city have been sold on GPA since November 2011. Areas such as Sectors 29, 30, 31, 38 West, Ramdarbar and Maloya have witnessed extensive GPA-based transactions.
In colonies like Sector 29 and Sector 30, houses under the Chandigarh Housing Board and Estate Office — particularly in EWS and small flats categories — have reportedly been sold through GPA. Many of these properties have changed hands three to four times since
2011 without formal
registration.
If approved, the new policy will allow eligible homeowners to obtain legal ownership through proper registry. Officials believe the move will not only resolve long-pending legal complications, but also generate significant revenue for the Administration through registration charges and stamp duty.
The proposed policy aims to regularise such properties, reduce legal disputes and provide rightful ownership to thousands of families. The Administration is expected to finalise the draft policy after receiving legal inputs in the coming weeks.
