DLF deposits Rs 4 cr fine for Silokhra SEZ construction

Real estate developer, DLF Universal Ltd which is courting trouble for allegedly starting construction activity on its IT SEZ at Silokhra in Gurgaon without obtaining formal plan approvals has deposited a four crore penalty in the form of compounding fee with the Haryana Town and Country Planning Department (TCPD).

Haryana government’s tough posturing on the matter seems to have worked as the developer has also brought the construction activity in the IT SEZ to a halt.

However, its troubles may be far from over with the TCPD yet to take a decision on whether the private developer can be let-off by mere payment of the compounding fee.

Director, Town and Country Planning Sudeep Singh Dhillon when contacted said that the developer has itself evaluated the violations and calculated the penalty. "There is a provision of compounding the violations by paying a penalty. However, we are looking into the matter and a decision will be taken thereafter," he said.

The TCPD, which slapped a notice on the DLF under the provisions of Punjab Scheduled Roads and Controlled Areas Restriction of Unregulated Development Act for allegedly carrying out construction activity without obtaining building plans approvals, was also contemplating to initiate legal action against the developer.

TCPD officials said the developer stopped construction after the government took a tough stance on the matter. DLF on its part has maintained that it had sought the necessary approvals from the competent authority. TCPD sources say DLF took plan approvals from an official who was not empowered to give such approvals.