HP Govt orders vigilance probe into alleged Illegal JDAs approved by RERA
Shimla, May 22.
Himachal Pradesh Government has ordered a vigilance probe into alleged violations of land laws involving Joint Development Agreements (JDAs) approved by the Himachal Pradesh Real Estate Regulatory Authority (HP RERA), particularly in cases concerning agriculturists and non-agriculturists in alleged contravention of Section 118 of the Himachal Pradesh Tenancy and Land Reforms Act, 1972.
An official communication issued by the Housing Department on May 18, 2026, and addressed to the Director General of the State Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau (SV&ACB), sought legal and criminal action against HP RERA authorities and concerned Revenue Department officials.
The letter, signed by Additional Secretary (Housing) Sunil Verma, specifically sought vigilance examination on three points.
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First, it called for action against HP RERA authorities for allegedly approving Joint Development Agreements between agriculturists and non-agriculturists in violation of Section 118 of the HP Tenancy and Land Reforms Act. The letter stated that provisions of the parent Act prevail over subordinate rules and observed that HP RERA rules themselves do not permit such JDAs.
Second, the Housing Department sought action against HP RERA authorities for allegedly failing to take corrective measures even after receiving clarification from the Revenue Department on November 7, 2023, regarding the legality of such agreements.
Third, the communication sought action against the Revenue Department for allegedly not responding to the Housing Department’s letter dated January 4, 2024, for more than two years and replying only after a fresh reminder issued on May 16, 2026.
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Sources indicated that the matter gained urgency after the Chief Secretary reportedly directed the Housing Department to initiate action. The development has surfaced close to the completion of incumbent Chief Secretary Sanjay Gupta’s tenure on May 31.
The vigilance probe assumes value amid mounting controversy over the Chester Hills project in Solan district, where allegations of land law violations, questionable approvals and irregular project clearances have already started a public debate. The government’s move is being viewed as a major step towards examining possible administrative and regulatory lapses in high-value real estate projects across the state.
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