SC notice to Karnataka on Premium FAR scheme

The Supreme Court on Tuesday sought a response from the Karnataka government on a petition challenging the Premium Floor Area Ratio (FAR) scheme, while making it clear that the scheme should not be used, for the time being, to regularise unauthorised constructions in the State.

A three-judge Bench headed by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant issued notice to the State government on a petition filed by NGO Citizens Action Forum and directed it to file its counter affidavit within four weeks.

The Bench said the clearance of Premium FAR would be subject to the final outcome of the litigation in the apex court.

The Premium FAR scheme allows property owners to purchase additional construction rights over and above the ordinarily permissible FAR by paying prescribed premium charges in a bid to facilitate vertical development and generate revenue for urban local bodies.