Odisha RERA Takes Bold Stand, Nullifies Land Deal Over Registration Violation

ORERA shakes up real estate norms, nullifying a Bhubaneswar land deal for violation—a bold step towards transparency in land transactions.

The Odisha Real Estate Regulatory Authority (ORERA) has nullified a land deal near Bhubaneswar for breaching the norms of the Odisha Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act, 2016.

The landowner in the Balianta area, on the city's outskirts, subdivided approximately 20 plots, each around an acre in size, without registering the larger plot with ORERA. Violating the rule that plots exceeding 500 square metres must be registered, the owner was selling these subplots to multiple buyers.

The ORERA strictly prohibits promoters from advertising, marketing, or selling plots without registering the project. In this case, the landlord not only overlooked ORERA norms but also attempted to subdivide the chaka (a compact parcel) land, which is prohibited under the Orissa Consolidation of Holdings and Prevention of Fragmentation of Land Act of 1972.

Responding to a complaint from a concerned buyer, ORERA directed the landlord to obtain layout plans for the plots within two months and register them with the authority within 45 days. The sale deeds of the sub-plots were cancelled until proper registration is obtained.

ORERA urged the inspector general of registration, Cuttack, and Khurda district collector to take action against the sub-registrar of Balianta and his predecessor for executing sale deeds in violation of rules. Real estate experts believe this decision will enhance transparency in land deals and curb the influence of brokers.