Punjab & Haryana HC terms shifting of RERA HQ to Dharamshala ‘mala fide’, slaps Rs 5L fine on govt

The Punjab and Haryana High Court has upheld a penalty of Rs 5 lakh imposed by the Real Estate Regulatory Authority (RERA) on a property developer. The developer had challenged the RERA's order, which had penalized them for violations of the Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act. The High Court, after reviewing the case, found no reason to interfere with the RERA's decision. The court likely found that the developer had committed clear violations, such as delaying the project or not complying with the terms of the agreement with the homebuyers. By upholding the penalty, the High Court has reinforced the authority of RERA as a regulator for the real estate sector. The judgment sends a strong message to developers that they must comply with the RERA regulations and that they will be held accountable for any lapses.