TG RERA IMPOSED A FINE OF ₹27 LAKH ON THE BUILDER

In a significant action aimed at protecting homebuyers from fraudulent real estate practices, the Telangana Real Estate Regulatory Authority (TG RERA) has imposed a penalty of ₹27 lakh on Googee Properties Pvt. Ltd. for illegally selling residential plots without obtaining the mandatory registrations and approvals. The incident took place in Nomula village, Ibrahimpatnam mandal, Rangareddy district, where the developer had allegedly marketed and sold plots in violation of the Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act, 2016.

According to the official order issued by TG RERA, the developer failed to register the project under the RERA Act and also did not secure the necessary layout approvals from the Directorate of Town and Country Planning (DTCP) or any other competent planning authority. Despite these lapses, the company proceeded to collect advances from unsuspecting buyers, thereby breaching multiple provisions of the law.

Violation of RERA Guidelines

As per Section 3 of the RERA Act, no developer is permitted to advertise, market, book, sell, or offer for sale any plot, apartment, or building without registering the project with the state’s RERA authority. This requirement is aimed at ensuring that all real estate projects meet legal and technical norms before they are opened to the public.

In this case, TG RERA found that Googee Properties published promotional material, conducted marketing campaigns, and collected booking amounts without any valid project registration. Moreover, there was no sanctioned layout in place, meaning that the plots were being sold in violation of local planning laws.

Penalties and Orders Issued

After a detailed inquiry, TG RERA levied a penalty of ₹27 lakh on the company for non-compliance. Additionally, the regulator directed the developer to:

Refund the advance amounts collected from buyers, along with applicable interest from the date of payment until the date of refund.

Stop all promotional activities related to the Nomula village project until proper registration and layout approvals are obtained.

Submit a compliance report to TG RERA confirming adherence to the order within the stipulated time frame.

Failure to comply with these directions may invite further legal proceedings, including the possibility of imprisonment of responsible company officials, as provided under Sections 59 and 64 of the RERA Act.

Impact on Homebuyers

This case has sent a strong message to both developers and property buyers. Many of the affected customers had invested their savings in the hope of building homes in Nomula village. Without proper approvals, such projects face the risk of being declared illegal, leaving buyers stranded.

Legal experts say that the order reinforces the importance of verifying RERA registration numbers and layout approvals before making any payment for a property. “Buyers should always cross-check project details on the official TG RERA website to avoid falling victim to unapproved projects,” said Hyderabad-based property lawyer S. Rajesh.

Why RERA Compliance Matters

RERA was enacted to bring transparency, accountability, and efficiency into the real estate sector. It protects buyers from:

Delays in possession caused by incomplete projects.

False promises in advertisements and brochures.

Financial frauds involving unapproved layouts or illegal land conversions.

By making project registration mandatory, RERA ensures that developers disclose critical details, including project plans, land status, and delivery timelines.

A Warning to Other Builders

Industry watchers believe that TG RERA’s action against Googee Properties will serve as a warning to other real estate companies operating in Telangana. Non-compliance is not just a procedural violation it directly affects public trust in the sector.

The real estate market in Rangareddy and surrounding areas has been witnessing rapid growth due to improved infrastructure, proximity to Hyderabad’s IT corridor, and rising land values. However, this growth has also attracted unscrupulous players attempting to exploit loopholes and lure buyers with attractive but legally risky offers.

Next Steps for Buyers and Authorities

TG RERA officials have urged buyers who have invested in the Nomula village project to come forward with documentation of their payments and agreements so that the refund process can be expedited. The authority has also promised stricter surveillance on unregistered projects in Rangareddy, Medchal, and other fast-growing districts.

Meanwhile, urban planning experts recommend that the government strengthen coordination between RERA, DTCP, and revenue authorities to detect and block illegal layouts at the earliest stage. This would prevent fraudulent sales before they reach unsuspecting buyers.

With this order, TG RERA has once again demonstrated its commitment to protecting consumer rights and ensuring lawfulpractices in the real estate market. The case of Googee Properties stands as a reminder that in Telangana’s real estate landscape, compliance is not optional it is the foundation of buyer trust and project legitimacy.