Supreme Court says no post facto clearances for building projects

NEW DELHI: The real estate sector could be in for more trouble with the Supreme Court on Friday saying that they cannot build without first getting environment clearances.

Earlier, builders could build first and get these clearances later. But the National Green Tribunal had in July 2015 struck down an environment ministry office memo permitting it.

The office memo cannot overrule an earlier notification to get clearances first, the tribunal had said. The Supreme Court today agreed with the tribunal. Chief Justice of India T.S. Thakur slammed builders all over India for not respecting law and building and selling first, and later getting the clearances.

"The flat owners will then crowd around the court seeking a nod to live in these flats," he said.

Earlier, CJI H L Dattu had stayed the tribunal order. But CJI Thakur said he would review this order next Friday.