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Supreme Court’s nationwide order blocks electricity and water connections to buildings without OC and CC. Karnataka families are hit hardest, with the state government still struggling to find a way out.
Karnataka is grappling with a massive housing and infrastructure crisis, as more than 10 lakh newly constructed homes remain without electricity and water connections. The deadlock stems from a Supreme Court order dated December 17, 2024, which made it mandatory for all buildings across India to secure a Commencement Certificate (CC) and an Occupancy Certificate (OC) before being provided with essential civic amenities.
The apex court issued this directive with the aim of curbing illegal and unauthorized constructions across the country. According to the ruling, local authorities must not provide water or electricity connections to any home or building constructed without the proper approvals. The order is nationwide and binding on all states.
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In Karnataka, especially within the Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA) limits, this order has had severe consequences. Families who built new houses in the last year are unable to move in or live comfortably, as electricity connections are being denied despite their homes being completed.
Earlier this year, the Karnataka Cabinet decided to exempt plots up to 1,200 sq ft (such as common 30x40 sites) within GBA limits from OC and CC requirements, hoping to provide relief for middle-class families. However, despite this decision, electricity connections are still not being issued, leaving homeowners frustrated and stranded.
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According to government estimates, around 10 lakh homes in Karnataka, both in Bengaluru and other districts, are caught in this crisis. Families who have invested their life savings into construction are being forced to live without basic utilities like electricity and water.
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, recognizing the scale of the crisis, convened a high-level meeting with ministers, senior officials, and legal advisors. The meeting reviewed the Supreme Court order, its implementation, and possible legal options for relief.
Key issues discussed included:
• Whether other states are strictly implementing the SC’s December 2024 order.
• Possibility of granting one-time regularisation for houses already built without CC/OC.
• Whether applications filed before March 2025 could be considered for exemption.
• The impracticality of demolishing lakhs of houses and the need for a humane, people-friendly solution.
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No final decision yet
Despite the discussions, the meeting ended without a clear resolution. The CM emphasized that any decision must balance legal compliance with public welfare, as demolishing homes is not a viable option.
A crucial follow-up meeting has now been scheduled for October 8, to be chaired by the Chief Secretary. It will also include the Advocate General, CM’s legal advisors, and senior ministers. This meeting is expected to finalize a concrete solution on whether exemptions or legal amendments can allow essential utilities to be granted to affected homes.
