Building plan approval stuck — RTI to Town Planning
Direct answer. File RTI to Town Planning Officer AND Municipal Commissioner. Ask plan-scrutiny status, FAR/FSI compliance check, NOC status from collateral departments, reason for delay.
Legal framework
- State Town & Country Planning Acts — sanctioning framework.
- Model Building Bye-Laws 2016 — uniform standards.
- Real Estate (Regulation) Act 2016 — RERA approval timelines.
5 questions to ask
- Plan-scrutiny status.
- FAR/FSI compliance check.
- NOC status (fire, pollution, airport).
- Reason for delay.
- Projected sanction.
Template
To: The Public Information Officer, Town Planning Officer / Municipal Commissioner
Subject: Application under §6 RTI Act 2005 — Building plan sanction
My building plan No. [..] is pending. Please furnish: (1) scrutiny status, (2) FAR check, (3) collateral NOCs, (4) reason for delay, (5) projected sanction.
Fee: Rs.10 by IPO/cash.
Common mistakes
- Filing without drawing reference number.
- Skipping collateral NOC tracker ask.
Case law anchors
- CIC/MoUD/A/2017/000345 — plan-sanction status disclosable.
- Friends Colony v. UoI (SC 1998) — unauthorised construction framework.
Pro tips
- Use OBPS portals — reference drawing number.
- Pair with RERA grievance.
FAQ
- Q: Compoundable deviation? Most municipalities allow 5-10% compounding with fee.
- Q: Demolition notice — stay? RTI for inspection report; appeal to Tribunal.
Related reading
Sources
- State T&CP Acts. Model Building Bye-Laws 2016. RERA 2016.
Last reviewed: 25 April 2026.
