OC Amnesty Scheme Approved; Residents Welcome Relief
Mumbai, July 10: In a major relief for thousands of homebuyers, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) Standing Committee has approved the Occupancy Certificate (OC) Amnesty Scheme, paving the way for nearly 18,000–19,000 eligible buildings across Mumbai to obtain long-pending Occupancy Certificates.
Many buildings had been unable to secure final OCs due to technical irregularities, construction-related issues, or pending administrative procedures, leaving thousands of residents in legal uncertainty despite having purchased their homes in good faith.
One such case was Willingdon Heights in Tardeo, where residents faced the possibility of eviction because the building lacked an Occupancy Certificate. Maharashtra Cabinet Minister and local MLA Mangal Prabhat Lodha took up the issue, maintaining that innocent homebuyers should not suffer for lapses committed during construction. He, along with residents, met Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and urged the government to formulate a policy-based solution.
Taking note of the matter, the Chief Minister directed the concerned authorities to take appropriate action, following which the state introduced the OC Amnesty Scheme for eligible buildings. With the BMC Standing Committee’s approval, the implementation of the scheme is now set to move forward.
Residents of Willingdon Heights met Minister Lodha on Friday to thank him for his sustained efforts in resolving the long-pending issue. They said the decision would benefit not only their society but also thousands of families living in eligible buildings across Mumbai.
Speaking on the occasion, Lodha said that ordinary citizens invest their lifetime savings to purchase homes and should not be penalised for mistakes made by builders. He thanked Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis for taking a sensitive and pragmatic approach to the issue, describing the decision as a landmark relief for Mumbai’s homebuyers.
Background: Willingdon Heights Case
Willingdon Heights in Tardeo lacked an Occupancy Certificate, placing residents in legal jeopardy.
Alleged violations by the developer led to court proceedings, with residents facing eviction orders.
Homebuyers argued they were being punished for the builder’s alleged violations.
Minister Mangal Prabhat Lodha, along with residents, approached Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis seeking a permanent policy solution.
Former MP Gopal Shetty also supported the residents’ efforts.
The OC Amnesty Scheme was subsequently introduced, and with the Standing Committee’s approval, nearly 18,000–19,000 eligible buildings in Mumbai are expected to benefit.
