The new Stilt+4 policy of the Haryana government has completely changed the process of building a house in Gurugram. Now if you want to build a four-storey house in Gurugram, then it has become mandatory for you to take written permission i.e. NOC (No Objection Certificate) from your neighbor. Surprisingly, in many cases neighbors are demanding up to ₹ 40 lakh in exchange for just one sign.
What is the new policy?
The Haryana government has recently implemented a new construction policy under which permission has been given to build houses up to four floors on Stilt+. But the consent of the neighbor is necessary to build the fourth floor. If the neighbor does not give NOC, then the house owner has to leave a setback of 1.8 meters, due to which the land cannot be fully utilized and there is financial loss.
Demand of lakhs for neighbor’s sign
Due to this policy, a new trend is being seen in Gurugram. Many are now demanding a 10% commission for giving an NOC, which can go up to ₹30-₹40 lakh depending on the market value of the property. Investment banker Sarthak Ahuja shared the trend on LinkedIn, saying the demand has now become a common bargain.
What is the legal position?
According to legal experts, it is not illegal for a Neighbour to demand money in exchange for an NOC, but it is ethically debatable. Officials say the policy is designed to meet urban development and housing demand, but it has led to a sense of transaction in place of neighborhood relationships.