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KERALA REAL ESTATE (REGULATION AND DEVELOPMENT) RULES, 2018

KERALA REAL ESTATE (REGULATION AND DEVELOPMENT) RULES, 2018

KERALA REAL ESTATE (REGULATION AND DEVELOPMENT) RULES, 2018

PREAMBLE

In exercise of the powers conferred by Section 84 of the Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act, 2016 (Central Act 16 of 2016) the Government of Kerala, hereby makes the following rules namely:

CHAPTER I PRELIMINARY

Rule - 1. Short title, applicability and Commencement.

(1)     These rules may be called the "Kerala Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Rules, 2018".

(2)     These rules shall be applicable to whole State of Kerala.

(3)     They shall come into force at once.

Rule - 2. Definitions.

(1)     In these rules, unless the context otherwise requires,

(a)      "Act" means the Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act, 2016; (Central Act 16 of 2016)

(b)      "Annexure" means an annexure appended to these rules;

(c)      "Authenticated copy" shall mean a self-attested copy of any document required to be provided by any person under these rules;

(d)      "Authority" means the Real Estate Regulatory Authority established by the Government of Kerala under sub-section (1) of Section (20) of the Act;

(e)      "Form" means a form appended to these rules;

(f)       "Government" means the Government of Kerala;

(g)      "Layout plan" means a plan of the project depicting the division or proposed division of land into plots, roads, open spaces, amenities, etc. and other details as may be necessary;

(h)     "Permit" means a permission or authorisation in writing by the Secretary of the Local authority concerned to carry out the work;

(i)       "Project land" means any parcel or parcels of land on which the project is or proposed to be developed and constructed by a promoter;

(j)       "Section" means section of the Act.

(k)      "Selection Committee" means the Selection Committee constituted under Section 22 of the Act in accordance with these rules.

(2)     Words and expressions used herein and not defined, but defined in the Act, shall have the same meaning respectively assigned to them in the Act.

CHAPTER II REAL ESTATE PROJECT

Rule - 3. Registration of Real Estate Projects with Authority.

(1)     The promoter shall make an application as referred to in sub-section (1) of Section 4 of the Act in Form "A" to the Authority for Registration of the real estate project for which all the Statutory Approvals and permits have been obtained on or after the date of notification of commencement of Section 3 of the Act and displaying it on the Website of Real Estate Regulatory Authority in such manner prescribed by these regulations.

(2)     In the case of ongoing projects on the commencements of the Section 3 of Act and for which the occupancy certificate has not been issued, the promoter shall make an application in Form "A1" to the Authority for Registration of the said project.

(3)     The application for registration referred to in sub-rule (1) and (2) shall be submitted in triplicate, until the application procedure is made web based as provided under sub-section (3) of Section 4 of the Act.

(4)     The promoter shall pay a registration fee at the time of application for registration by way of a demand draft drawn on any scheduled bank as directed by the authority,

(i)       In the case of plot for a sum calculated at the rate of rupees ten per square meter of plot area.

(ii)      In the case of building, for a sum of,

(i)       rupees twenty five per square meter of total floor area for all residential projects for which application is made in Form 'A-1' as per sub-rule (2) of Rule 3.

(ii)      rupees fifty per square meter of total floor area for all residential projects for which application is made in Form 'A' as per sub-rule (2) of Rule 3.

(iii)     rupees hundred per square meter of total floor area for commercial or any other projects.

(iii)     for a real estate project involving only development of land into plots without any construction of buildings, the registration fee shall be as provided in clause (a) of sub-rule (4) to be paid along with the application.

(iv)    for a project involving construction and sale of building, the total registration fee for the project shall be the sum of registration fee for plot and registration fee for buildings as computed as provided in clause (a) and (b) of, sub-rules 4.

(v)      floor area as per these rules shall be, the total floor area as specified in the permit issued by the competent authority.

(5)     The promoter shall enclose along with the application form the documents as specified in sub-section (2) of Section 4 of the Act.

(6)     The declaration to be submitted under clause (I) of sub-section (2) of Section 4 of the Act, shall be as per Form 'B', which shall include a declaration stating the details as mentioned in sub-clause (A) to (F) of clause (I) of sub-section (2) of Section 4 of the Act.

(7)     In case the promoter applies for withdrawal of application for registration of the project before the expiry of the period of 30 days provided under sub-section (1) of Section 5, registration fee to the extent often percent paid under sub-rules (3) above, or Rupees Fifty Thousand, whichever is more, shall be retained as processing fee by the regulatory authority and the remaining amount shall be refunded to the promoter within thirty days from the date of such withdrawal.

Rule - 4. Additional Information and documents to be furnished by the promoter along with the application for registration of project.

(1)     The promoter shall furnish the following additional information and documents, along with those specified under the relevant sections of the Act, along with the application for registration of the real estate project with the authority namely:

(i)       authenticated copy of the PAN card of the promoter;

(ii)      audited balance sheet of the promoter for the preceding financial year and income tax returns of the promoter for three preceding financial years;

(iii)     the number of parking areas available in the said real estate project;

(iv)    copy of the legal title deed showing the title of the promoter to the land on development is proposed to be developed along with legally valid documents with authentication of such title, if such land is owned by another person;

(v)      the details of encumbrances on the land on which development is proposed including any rights, title, interest or name of any party in or over such land along with details;

(vi)    Where the promoter is not the owner of the land on which development is proposed details of the consent of the owner of the land along with a copy of the collaboration agreement, development agreement, joint development agreement or any other agreement, as the case may be, entered into between the promoter and such owner and copies of title and other documents reflecting the title of such owner on the land proposed to be developed;

(vii)   Such other information and documents, as specified in the 'Form A' or 'Form A-1' as the case may be.

(viii)  Such other information and documents, as may be specified by regulations made by the authority.

Rule - 5. Disclosure by promoters of existing projects.

(1)     Upon the notification for commencement of sub-section (1) of Section 3, promoters of all ongoing projects which have not received occupancy certificate shall, within the time specified in the said sub-section, make an application to the Authority in the form and manner provided in sub-rule (2) of Rule 3.

(2)     The promoter shall disclose all project details as required under the Act and the rules and regulations made thereunder, including the status of the project and the extent of completion.

(3)     The promoter shall disclose the size of the apartment based on carpet area even if earlier sold on any other basis such as super area, super built up area, built up area etc. which shall not affect the validity of the agreement entered into between the promoter and the allottee to that extent.

(4)     In case of plot development the promoter shall disclose the area of the plot being sold to the allottees.

Rule - 6. Withdrawal of sums deposited in separate account.

(1)     For the purposes of sub-clause (D) of clause (I) of sub-section (2) of Section 4, the land cost shall be the cost incurred by the promoter, whether as an outright purchase, lease charges etc.

(2)     For the purposes of sub-clause (D) of clause (I) of sub-section (2) of Section 4, the construction cost shall be the cost incurred by the promoter, towards the on-site expenditure and off site expenditure for the physical development of the project.

Rule - 7. Grant or rejection of registration of the project.

(1)     Upon the registration of a project as per Section 5 read with Rule 3, the Authority shall issue a registration certificate with a registration number in Form 'C to the promoter.

(2)     In case of rejection of the application as per Section 5 the authority shall inform the applicant in Form 'D'.

Provided that if the application is incomplete in any respect, the authority may at its discretion, direct the promoter to rectify such application within a period of fifteen days or any such period as deemed fit to the authority; before rejecting the application as per Section 5 and Rule (2) above.

Rule - 8. Extension of registration of the project.

(1)     The registration granted under Section 5 of the Act may be extended as per Section 6 of the Act on an application made by the promoter in Form 'E' which shall not be less than three months prior to the expiry of the registration granted.

(2)     The application for extension of registration shall be accompanied with a demand draft drawn on any scheduled bank, for an amount equivalent to half the registration fee as prescribed under sub-rule (4) of Rule 3 along with an explanatory note setting out the reasons for delay in the completion of the project and the need for extension of registration for the project, along with documents supporting such reasons:

Provided that where extension of registration is due to force majeure the authority may at its discretion waive the fee for extension of registration fully or by part.

(3)     Extension of registration of the project for such time as it considers necessary which shall, in aggregate, not exceed a period of one year.

(4)     In case of extension of registration, the authority shall inform the promoter about the same in Form 'F' and in case of rejection of the application for extension of registration the authority shall, after giving an opportunity to the applicant to be heard in the matter as per second proviso of Section 6, inform the promoter about the same in Form 'D';

Rule - 9. Revocation of Registration of the project.

(1)     Upon the revocation of registration of a project as per Section 7 of the Act the authority shall inform the promoter about such revocation in Form 'D'.

(2)     Upon the lapse of registration or on revocation of the registration under the Act, Authority shall take necessary action as specified in Section 7 and 8 of the Act.

Rule - 10. Agreement for sale.

(1)     For the purpose of sub-section (2) of Section 13, the agreement for sale shall be in the form in Annexure 'A'.

(2)     Any application letter, allotment letter, agreement or any other document signed by the allottee, in respect of the apartment, plot or building, prior to the execution and registration of the agreement for sale for such apartment, plot or building, as the case may be, shall not be construed to limit the rights and interests of the allottee under the agreement for sale or under the Act or the rules or the regulations made there under.

CHAPTER III REAL ESTATE AGENT

Rule - 11. Application for Registration by the real estate agent.

(1)     Every real estate agent required to register as per sub-section (2) of Section 9 of the Act shall make an application in writing to the Authority in Form G along with the following documents, namely:

(a)      details of his enterprise including its name, registered address, type of enterprise (proprietorship, societies, partnership, companies etc.);

(b)      particulars of registration including the bye-laws, memorandum of association, articles of association etc. as the case may be;

(c)      photograph of the real estate agent if it is an individual and the photograph of the partners, directors etc. in case of other entities;

(d)      authenticated copy of the PAN card;

(e)      income tax returns filed under the provisions of the Income Tax Act, 1961 (Central Act 43 of 1961) for three financial years preceding the application or in case the applicant was exempted from filing returns under the provisions of the Income Tax Act, 1961 (Central Act 43 of 1961) for any of the three year preceding the application, a declaration to such effect;

(f)       authenticated copy of the address proof of the place of business; and (g) such other information and documents, as may be specified by regulations. (h) such other information as may be required in Form "G" of these rules. (2) The real estate agent shall pay a registration fee at the time of application for registration by way of a demand draft drawn on any scheduled bank, for a sum of rupees twenty five thousand in case of the applicant being an individual; or rupees two lakh fifty thousand only in case of the applicant being anyone other than an individual.

Rule - 12. Grant of Registration to the real estate agent.

(1)     On receipt of the application as per sub-section (2) of Section 9 of the Act read with Rule 11, the Authority shall within a period of thirty days either grant registration to the real estate agent or reject the application, as the case may be:

Provide (sic Provided) that the Authority may grant an opportunity to the real estate agent to rectify the defects in the application within such time period as may be specified by it.

(2)     Upon the registration of a real estate agent as per Section 9 read with Rule 10, the Regulatory Authority shall issue a registration certificate with a registration number as per Form H to the real estate agent.

(3)     In case of rejection of the application, the Authority shall inform the applicant in Form 1

(4)     The registration granted under this rule shall be valid for a period of five years.

Rule - 13. Renewal of registration of real estate agent.

(1)     The registration granted under Section 9, of the Act may be renewed as per Section 6, of the Act on an application made by the real estate agent in Form 'J' which shall not be less than three months prior to the expiry of the registration granted.

(2)     The application for renewal of registration shall be accompanied with a demand draft drawn on any scheduled bank, for a sum of rupees five thousand in case of the real estate agent being an individual or rupees fifty thousand in case of the real estate agent being anyone other than an individual.

(3)     The real estate agent shall also submit all the updated documents set out in clauses (a) to (f) of Rule 10 at the time of application for renewal.

(4)     In case of renewal of registration, the authority shall inform the real estate agent about the same in Form K and in case of rejection of the application for renewal of registration the authority, shall inform the real estate agent in Form I.

Provided that no application for renewal of registration shall be rejected unless the applicant has been given an opportunity of being heard in the matter.

(5)     The renewal of registration of the real estate agent shall be granted provided that the real estate agent remains in compliance with the provisions of the Act and the rules and regulations made thereunder.

(6)     The renewal granted under this rule shall be valid for a period (sic of) five years.

Rule - 14. Revocation of Registration of real estate agent.

The Authority may, due to reasons specified under sub-section (7) of Section 9 of the Act, revoke the registration granted to the real estate agent or renewal thereof, as the case may be, and intimate the real estate agent of such revocation Form T.

Rule - 15. Maintenance and preservation of books of accounts, records and documents.

(1)     The real estate agent shall maintain and preserve books of account, records and documents in accordance with the provisions of the Income Tax Act, 1961. (Central Act 43 of 1961)

(2)     The agent shall also maintain such books and records as specified by the regulations issued by the authority.

Rule - 16. Other functions of a real estate agent.

The real estate agent shall provide assistance to enable the allottee and promoter to exercise their respective rights and fulfill their respective obligations at the time of booking and sale of any plot, apartment or building, as the case may be.

CHAPTER IV DETAILS TO BE PUBLISHED ON THE WEBSITE OF THE AUTHORITY

Rule - 17. Details to be published on the website.

(1)     For the purpose of clause (b) of Section 34, of the Act the regulatory authority shall ensure that the following information shall be made available on its website in respect of each project registered:

(a)      Details of the promoter including the following:

(i)       Promoter or Group Profile:-

(A)     A brief detail of his enterprise including its name, registered address, type of enterprise (proprietorship, limited liability partnership, society, company etc.) and the particulars of registration and in case of a newly incorporated or registered entity, brief details of the parent entity including its name, registered address, type of enterprise (proprietorship, societies, limited liability partnership, partnership, companies etc.);

(B)     Details of promoter up to 5 years including details of projects launched by the promoter in the past and in case of a newly incorporated or registered entity projects launched by the parent entity, other relevant experience or details as authority finds appropriate etc.

(C)     Name, address, contact details and photograph of the promoter in case an individual and the name, address, contact details and photograph of the chairman, directors, partners, as the case may be and that of the authorised persons.

(ii)      Track record of the promoter:

(A)     number of years of experience of the promoter or parent entity in real estate construction in the State;

(B)     number of years of experience of the promoter or parent entity in real estate construction in other States or union territories;

(C)     number of completed projects and area constructed till date;

(D)     number of ongoing projects and proposed area to be constructed;

(E)     details and profile of ongoing and completed projects for the last 5 years as provided under clause (b) of sub-section (2) of Section 4.

(iii)     Litigations: Details of past or ongoing litigations in relation to the real estate project.

(iv)    Website:

(A)     Web link to the developer or group website;

(B)     Web link to the project website.

(b)      Details of the real estate project including the following:

(i)       advertisement and prospects issued in regard to this project.

(ii)      compliance and registration:

(A)     web link to the developer or group website; authenticated copy of the approval(s) from the competent authority as provided under clause (c) of sub-section (2) of Section 4;

(B)     the sanctioned plan, layout plan and specifications of the project or the phase thereof, and the whole project as sanctioned by the competent authority as provided under clause (d) of sub-section (2) of Section 4;

(C)     details of the registration granted by the Authority.

(iii)     apartment and garage related details:

(A)     details of the number, type, carpet area, area of exclusive balcony or verandah, area of exclusive open terrace, share of common area, floor area etc. of each apartments for sale in the project as provided under clause (h) of sub-section (2) of Section 4;

(B)     Details of the number and areas of garage for sale in the project as provided under clause (i) of sub-section (2) of Section 4;

(C)     details of the number of open parking areas available in the real estate project.

(iv)    registered Agents: Names and addresses of real estate agents as provided under clause (j) of sub-section (2) of Section 4.

(v)      Consultants: Details, including name and addresses, of contractors, architect and structural engineers and other persons concerned with the development of the real estate project as provided under clause (k) of sub-section (2) of Section 4, such as:

(A)     name and address of the firm

(B)     names of promoters

(C)     year of establishment

(D)     names and profile of key projects completed

(vi)    Location: The location details of the project, with clear demarcation of land dedicated for the project along with its boundaries including the latitude and longitude of the end points of the project as provided under clause (f) of sub-section (2) of Section 4;

(vii)   Development Plan:

(A)     The plan of development works to be executed in the proposed project and the proposed facilities to be provided thereof including fire fighting facilities, drinking water facilities, emergency evacuation services, use of renewable energy etc. as provided under clause (e) of sub-section (2) of Section 4;

(B)     Amenities: A detailed note explaining the salient features of the proposed project including access to the project, design for electric supply including street lighting, water supply arrangements and site for disposal and treatment of storm and sullage water, any other facilities and amenities or public health services proposed to be provided in the project;

(C)     Charts and Project schedule: The plan of development works to be executed in the project and the details of the proposed facilities to be provided thereof

(c)      Financial details of the promoter:

(i)       The Authenticated copy of the PAN card of the promoter;

(ii)      The annual report including audited profit and loss account, balance sheet, cash flow statement, directors report and the auditor's report of the promoter for the immediately preceding three financial years and where annual report is not available then the audited profit and loss account, balance sheet, cash flow statement and the auditor's report of the promoter for the immediately preceding three financial years and in case of newly incorporated or registered entity such information shall be disclosed for the parent entity;

(d)      The promoter shall upload, the following updates on the webpage for the project, within seven days from the expiry of each quarter:

(i)       List of number and types of apartments or plots, as the case may be booked;

(ii)      List of number of garages/covered parking booked;

(iii)     Status of the project:

(A)     Status of construction of each building with photographs;

(B)     Status of construction of each floor with photographs;

(C)     Status of construction of internal infrastructure and common areas with photographs.

(iv)    Status of Approval

(A)     Approval received;

(B)     Approvals applied and expected date of receipt;

(C)     Approvals to be applied and date planned for application;

(D)     Modifications, amendment or revisions, if any, issued by the competent authority with regard to any license, permit or approval for the project.

(E)     Details of application for occupancy certificate or completion certificate submitted to the competent authority including date of submission and expected date of clearance.

(e)      Downloads to be provided in the website:

(i)       Approvals:

(A)     No Objection certificates as applicable or declaration to the effect that such No Objection Certificate is not required.

(i)       Consent to Establish and operate;

(ii)      Environmental Clearance;

(iii)     Fire NOC;

(iv)    Permission from Water and Sewerage department;

(v)      Height clearance from Airport Authority of India;

(vi)    Such other approvals as may be required and obtained for the project.

(B)     Authenticated copy of the license or land use permission, building sanction plan and other relevant order(s) from the competent authority obtained in accordance with the laws applicable for the project, and where the project is proposed to be developed in phases, an authenticated copy of the license or land use permission, building sanction plan and building permit for each of such phases;

(C)     Authenticated copy of the site plan or site map showing the location of the project land along with names of revenue estates, village and block details, survey numbers, and area of each parcels of the project land;

(D)     Authenticated copy of the layout plan of the project or the phase thereof, and also the layout plan of the whole project as sanctioned by the competent authority;

(E)     Floor plans for each tower and block including clubhouse, amenities and common areas;

(F)      Any other permission, approval, or licence that may be required under applicable law;

(G)     Authenticated copy of occupancy certificate including its application.

(ii)      Legal Documents:

(A)     Details including the proforma of the application form, allotment letter, agreement for sale and the conveyance deed;

(B)     Authenticated copy of the legal title deed reflecting the title of the promoter to the land on which development is proposed to be developed along with legally valid documents with authentication of such title, if such land is owned by another person;

(C)     Land Title Search Report from an advocate having experience of at least ten years in land related matters;

(D)     Details of encumbrances on the land on which development is proposed including any rights, title, interest or name of any party in or over such land along with details or no encumbrance certificate from an advocate having experience of at-least ten years in land related matters;

(E)     Where the promoter is not the owner of the land on which development is proposed, details of the consent of the owner of the land along with a copy of the collaboration agreement, development agreement, joint development agreement or any other agreement, as the case may be, entered into between the promoter and such owner and copies of title anotherdocuments reflecting the title of such owner on the land proposed to be developed;

(F)      Sanction letters:

(i)       From banks for construction finance;

(ii)      From banks for home loan tie-ups.

(f)       details: Contact address, contact numbers and email-ids of the promoter, other officials and consultants handling the project;

(g)      Such other information or documents as may be deemed appropriate by the authority for the benefit of the allottees and prospective buyers including any documents or forms submitted by the promoter;

(h)     Such other documents or information as may be specified by the Act or the rules and regulations made thereunder;

(2)     For the purpose of clause (c) of Section 34, the authority shall maintain a database and ensure that the information specified therein shall be made available on its website in respect of each project revoked or penalised, as the case may be;

(3)     For the purpose of clause (d) of Section 34, the authority shall ensure that the following information shall be made available on its website in respect of each real estate agent registered with it or whose application for registration has been rejected or revoked:

(a)      For real estate agents registered with the Authority:

(i)       Registration number and the period of validity of the registration of the real estate agent with the authority;

(ii)      Brief details of his enterprise (in case of agents other than individuals) including its name, registered address, type of enterprise (proprietorship, societies, partnership, companies etc.);

(iii)     particulars of registration (in case of agents other than individuals) including the bye-laws, memorandum of association, articles of association etc. as the case may be;

(iv)    photograph of the real estate agent if it is an individual and the photograph of the partners, directors etc. in case of agents other than individuals;

(v)      authenticated copy of the PAN Card (vi) income tax returns filed under the provisions of the Income Tax Act, 1961 (Central Act 43 of 1961) for three financial years preceding the application or in case the applicant was exempted from filing returns under the provisions of the Income Tax Act, 1961 for any of the three year preceding the application, a declaration to such effect;

(vi)    authenticated Copy of address proof of the place of business and the contact address, contact numbers and email-ids of the real estate agent and other officials responsible.

(b)      in case of applicants whose application for registration as a real estate agent have been rejected or real estate agents whose registration has been revoked by the authority:

(i)       registration number and the period of validity of the registration of the real estate agent with the regulatory authority;

(ii)      brief details of his enterprise including its name, registered address, type of enterprise (proprietorship, societies, partnership, companies etc.);

(iii)     photograph of the real estate agent if it is and individual and the photograph of the partners, directors etc. in case of other persons;

(c)      Such other documents or information as may be specified by the Act or regulations made thereunder.

(d)      Such other information or documents as may be deemed appropriate by the authority for the benefit of the public including any documents or forms submitted by the real estate agent.

(4)     The authenticity of the details or documents which are submitted by the promoter or real estate agent and uploaded in the website or which are uploaded in the website by the promoter or the real estate agent shall be the sole responsibility of the promoter or the real estate agent as the case may be and the promoter or the real estate agent shall as the case may be ensure correctness of the same in all respects at all given times.

(5)     any subsequent change in any of the details made available in the website shall be immediately bought to the notice of the authority by the concerned promoter or real estate agent as the case may be.

(6)     the Authority shall maintain a back-up, in digital form, of the contents of its website in terms of this rule, and ensure that such back-up is updated on the last day of each month.

Provided that till such time the website of the authority is fully functional, the authority may maintain the above documents or records at the office of the authority and further make available the same in the website as and when the website is completely operational.

CHAPTER V RATE OF INTEREST PAYABLE BY PROMOTER AND ALLOTTEE AND TIMELINES FOR REFUND

Rule - 18. Rate of interest payable by the promoter and the allottee.

(1)     The annual rate of interest payable by the promoter to the allottee or by the allottee to the promoter, as the case may be, shall be the State Bank of India's Benchmark Prime Lending Rate plus two percent and shall be computed as simple interest.

(2)     In case of payment from the promoter due to the allottee, the interest on amount due shall be computed at the rate as per sub-rule (1) above from the agree date of payment of such amount from the allottee to the promoter as per the agreed payment schedule as part of the agreement of construction or sale.

(3)     In case of payment from the allottee to the promoter, the interest on amount due shall be computed at the rate as per sub-rule (1) above from the agreed date of payment of such amount from the allottee to the promoter as per the agreed payment schedule as part of the agreement of construction or sale.

Rule - 19. Timelines for refund.

Any refund of money along with the applicable interest and compensation, if any, payable by the promoter in terms of the Act or the rules and regulations made thereunder, shall be payable by the promoter to the allottee within forty-five days from the date on which such refund along with applicable interest and compensation, if any, becomes due.

CHAPTER VI REAL ESTATE REGULATORY AUTHORITY

Rule - 20. Manner of selection of chairperson and members of the Authority.

(1)     As and when vacancies of Chairperson or a Member in the regulatory authority exist or arise, or are likely to arise, the Government may make a reference to the Selection Committee in respect of the vacancies to be filled, as per the provisions of Section 21 of Act.

(2)     The Selection Committee may, for the purpose of selection of the Chairperson or a Member of the authority, follow such procedure as deemed fit to suggest a panel of names possessing the requisite qualification and experience and suitable for being considered for appointment as Chairperson or Member of the Regulatory Authority from the panel of names suggested by a Search Committee

(3)     A Search Committee may be constituted by the selection committee to suggest a panel of names possessing the requisite qualification and experience and suitable for being considered for appointment as Chairperson or Member of the Authority.

(4)     the Selection Committee shall select two persons for each vacancy and recommend the same to the Government.

(5)     The Selection Committee shall make its recommendation to the Government of Kerala within a period of thirty days from the date of reference made under sub-rule (3).

(6)     The Government shall within thirty days from the date of the recommendation by the Selection Committee, appoint one of the two persons recommended by the Selection Committee for the vacancy of the Chairperson or Member, as the case may be.

Rule - 21. Salary and allowances payable and other terms and conditions of service of Chairperson and Members of the regulatory authority.

(1)     (a) The Chairperson and whole-time Members of the Authority shall be paid such salary and allowances as may be fixed by the Government. However if the Chairperson or a Member so appointed is or was in the service of the State Government or Central Government or any authority thereunder, he shall be paid a monthly salary equivalent to the drawn salary at the post held by such person, prior to his appointment as Chairperson or a Member, as the case may be, of the Authority:

Provided that if the Chairperson or a Member of the Authority before the date of assuming office as Chairperson or a Member, as the case may be, was in receipt of or being eligible to receive any pension in respect of any previous service under the Central Government or the State Government or any authority thereunder, his salary in respect of service as a Chairperson or as a Member, as the case may be, shall be reduced by the amount of that pension and dearness relief thereon, including any portion of the pension which may have been commuted.

(b) Every part-time member, who is not a servant of the Government, shall be paid a sitting fee for each day he attends the meetings of the authority as may be determined by the Government from time to time and they shall not be entitled to any allowance relating to house and vehicle.

(c) The Government may review and enhance the salary of Chairperson and Members periodically as deemed fit by the Government.

(2)     The Chairperson and every other Member shall be entitled to thirty days of earned leave for every year of service.

(3)     The other allowances and conditions of service of the Chairperson and the whole time Members shall be as per the usual terms and conditions of the Kerala Government Service and as per notifications issued by the Government from time to time.

Rule - 22. Administrative powers of the Chairperson of the Authority.

(1)     The administrative powers of the Chairperson of the Authority shall include making decisions with regard to the following and the Chairperson shall have full administrative powers in the following matters:

(a)      officiating against sanctioned posts;

(b)      all matters regarding disbursement of wages and salaries, other emoluments to the chairman, members, officers and staff of the authority.

(c)      acceptance of resignations by officer or employee engaged on contract basis or on daily wages;

(d)      all matters with regard to raising of public awareness regarding the provisions of the authority through any electronic, audio, visual, print or social media including issue of advertisements, press conferences, press release and all such measures which may be deemed necessary for the benefit of the public.

(e)      all Purchases of office infrastructure including computers, peripherals, other appliances, stationery, furniture etc. which are essential for the functioning of the authority.

(f)       all matters with regard to works undertaken at the office of the authority including office furnishings, partitioning, other improvement works etc.

(g)      all matters with regard to taking up or conducting any studies or research activities in any stream or subject, which are intended for the improvement, development or refinement of the real estate sector or related sectors including engaging of consultants for such studies, deputing officers for such studies, sanctioning of all expenditures concerned with such studies etc.

(h)     authorization of tours to be undertaken by Chairman, Members, officers and staff of the authority;

(i)       all matters in relation to reimbursement of medical claims;

(j)       all matters in relation to grant or rejection of leaves;

(k)      permission for short term or long term hiring of vehicles for official use;

(l)       nominations for attending workshops, seminars, conferences and training programmes in India or abroad and allowance to be granted for the same;

(m)    permission for invitation of guests to carry out training courses;

(n)     All matters pertaining to staff welfare expenses;

(o)      sanction scrapping or write-off of capital assets which due to normal wear and tear have become unserviceable or are considered beyond economical repairs;

(p)      all matters relating to disciplinary action against any Member, officer or employee;

(q)      all matters with regard to the administration of "Real Estate Regulatory Fund" created as per sub-section (1) of Section 75; with the approval of the committee constituted to administer such fund as per sub-section (3) of Section 75 including the powers to keep the fund in any appropriate account(s) such as treasury savings bank or any scheduled bank in public sector.

(r)      powers to delegate any of the above mentioned powers to any member or officer of the regulatory authority as the chairperson may deem fit.

(s)      all matters pertaining to staff strength, wages and salaries structures, emoluments, perquisites and personnel policies;

(t)       all matters pertaining to creation and abolition of posts;

(u)     all matter pertaining to appointments, promotions and confirmation for all regular employees.

(v)      acceptance of resignations by any Member, officer or employee;

(w)     purchase of new vehicles for the authority.

(x)      any other powers that may be required for the efficient functioning of the Authority and enforcement of the provisions of the Act, Rules and Regulations.

Rule - 23. Salary and allowances payable and other terms and conditions of service of the officers and other employees of the authority and experts and consultants engaged by the regulatory authority.

(1)     The conditions of service of the officers and employees of the Authority and any other category of employees in the matter of pay, allowances, leave, joining time, joining time pay, age of superannuation and other conditions of service, shall be regulated in accordance with such rules and regulations as are, from time to time, applicable to officers and employees of the Government and drawing the corresponding scales of pay;

(2)     Consultants or experts that may be engaged by the Authority:

(a)      shall be paid a monthly honorarium as may be determined by the Government of Kerala from time to time;

(b)      the consultant or expert shall not be deemed to be regular members of the staff borne on the establishment of the Authority;

(c)      the consultant or expert may be appointed for a tenure of one year, extendable on year

(d)      the terms of their appointment may be terminated by the Authority by serving one month's notice.

(3)     The Government shall have power to relax the provisions of any of these rules in respect of any class or category of officers or employees or consultants and experts, as the case may be.

Rule - 24. Functioning of the Authority.

(1)     The office of the authority shall be located at such place as may be determined by the Government.

(2)     The working days and office hours of the authority shall be the same as that of the Government of Kerala.

(3)     The official common seal and emblem of the authority shall be such as the Government of Kerala may specify.

Rule - 25. Additional powers of the Authority.

(1)     In addition to the matters specified in clauses (i) to (iii) of sub-section (2) of Section 35 of the Act the authority shall have the powers as vested in sub-section (2) of Section 35 in the following matters:

(a)      Require the promoter, allottee or real estate agent to furnish in writing such information or explanation or produce such documents within such reasonable time, as it may deem necessary;

(b)      Requisitioning, subject to the provisions of Sections 123 and 124 of the Indian Evidence Act, 1872 (1 of 1872), any public record or document or copy of such record or document from any office.

(2)     The authority may call upon such experts or consultants from the fields of economics, commerce, accountancy, real estate, competition, construction, architecture or engineering or from any other discipline as it deems necessary, to assist the authority in the conduct of any inquiry or proceedings before it.

(3)     On receipt of the application in prescribed form and complete in all respects under Section 4 read with Rule 3 for registration of a project, the Authority may review the documents submitted along with the application under Rule 3 and enquire, inter-alia, into the following matters and such other matters, as it may consider necessary, prior to grant of registration within the time prescribed under sub-section (1) of Section 5, namely:

(a)      the nature of rights and interest of the promoter to the land which is proposed to be developed;

(b)      extent and location of area of land proposed to be developed;

(c)      layout plan of the project;

(d)      financial, technical and managerial capacity of the promoter to develop the project;

(e)      plan regarding the development works to be executed in the project; and (f) conformity of development of the project with neighboring areas.

(4)     The Authority may in the interest of the allottees, enquire into the payment of amounts imposed as penalty, interest or compensation, paid or payable by the promoter, in order to ensure that the promoter has not:

(a)      withdrawn the said amounts from the account maintained as provided under sub-clause (D) of clause (I) of sub-section (2) of Section 4; or

(b)      Used any amounts paid to such promoter by the allottees for the that real estate project for which the penalty, interest or compensation is payable, or any other real estate project;

(c)      Recovered the amounts paid as penalty, fine or compensation from the allottees of the relevant real estate project or any other real estate project.

Rule - 26. Manner of recovery of interest, penalty and compensation.

Subject to the provisions of sub-section (1) of Section 40, the recovery of the amounts due as arrears of land revenue shall be carried out as per the provisions of Revenue Recovery Act, 1968 (Act 15 of 1968).

Rule - 27. Manner of implementation of order, direction or decisions of the adjudicating officer, the Authority or the Appellate Tribunal.

For the purpose of sub-section (2) of Section 40, every order passed by the adjudicating officer, authority or Appellate Tribunal, as the case may be, under the Act or the rules and regulations made thereunder, shall be enforced by the adjudicating officer, Authority or the Appellate Tribunal in the same manner as if it were a decree or order made by the principal Civil Court in a suit pending therein and it shall be lawful for the adjudicating officer, regulatory authority or Appellate Tribunal, as the case may be, in the event of its inability to execute the order, send such order to the principal Civil Court, to execute such order either within the local limits of whose jurisdiction the real estate project is located or in the principal Civil Court within the local limits of whose jurisdiction the person against whom the order is being issued, actually and voluntarily resides, or carries on business, or personally works for gain.

CHAPTER VII REAL ESTATE APPELLATE TRIBUNAL

Rule - 28. Form for filing Appeal and the fees payable.

(1)     Every appeal filed under sub-section (1) of Section 44 shall be accompanied by a fee of "rupees one thousand" in the form of a demand draft drawn on a nationalized bank in favour of the Appellate Tribunal or as specified by the regulations or orders issued by the authority or Appellate Tribunal, and payable at such station where the seat of the said Appellate Tribunal is situated or

(2)     Every appeal shall be filed Form 'L' along with the following documents:

(a)      an attested true copy of the order against which the appeal is filed;

(b)      copies of the documents relied upon by the appellant and referred to in the appeal;

(c)      an index of the documents.

(3)     Procedure for filing the appeal shall be as decided by the Appellate Tribunal.

Rule - 29. Manner of selection of members of the Appellate Tribunal.

(1)     As and when vacancies of a Member (Judicial Member & Technical or Administrative Member) in the Appellate Tribunal exist or arise, or are likely to arise, the Government may make a reference to the Selection Committee in respect of the vacancies to be filled.

(2)     The Selection Committee may, for the purpose of selection of the Member of the Appellate Tribunal, follow such procedure as deemed fit including the appointment of a search committee consisting of such persons as the Selection Committee considers appropriate to suggest a panel of names possessing the requisite qualification and experience and suitable for being considered for appointment as Member of the Appellate Tribunal.

(3)     The Selection Committee shall select two persons for each vacancy and recommend the same to the Government.

(4)     The Selection Committee shall make its recommendation to the Government within a period of sixty days from the date of reference made under sub-rule (1).

(5)     The Government shall within thirty days from the date of the recommendation by the Selection Committee, appoint one of the two persons recommended by the Selection Committee for the vacancy of the Member.

Rule - 30. Salary and allowances payable and other terms and conditions of service of Chairperson and Members of the Appellate Tribunal.

(1)     The salaries and allowances payable to the Chairperson and Members of the Appellate Tribunal shall be as follows:

(a)      the Chairperson shall be paid a monthly salary equivalent to the last drawn salary by such person, as a Judge of a High Court;

(b)      the whole-time Member shall be paid a monthly salary equivalent to the last drawn salary at the post held by such person, prior to his appointment as a Member of the Appellate Tribunal;

(c)      every full-time Member, who is not a servant of the Government, shall be paid a monthly salary equivalent to the Additional Secretary to the Government of India;

(d)      every part-time Member, who is not a servant of the Government, shall be paid a sitting fee for each day he attends the meetings of the Appellate Tribunal as may be determined by the Government of Kerala, from time to time.

(2)     The Chairperson and every other Member shall be entitled to thirty days of earned leave for every year of service.

(3)     The other allowances and conditions of service of the Chairperson and the wholetime Member shall be as per the usual terms and conditions of the Kerala Government Service and as per notification issued by the Government of Kerala from time to time.

Rule - 31. Procedure for inquiry of the charges against the Chairperson or Member of the Authority or the Appellate Tribunal.

(1)     In the event of the Government becoming aware of occurrence of any of the circumstances specified in clause (d) or clause (e) of sub-section (1) of Section 26 in case of a Chairperson or Member of the authority or as specified under sub-section (1) of Section 49 in case of a Chairperson or Member of the Appellate Tribunal, by receipt of a complaint in this regard or suo motu, as the case may be, the Government shall make a preliminary scrutiny with respect to such charges against the Chairperson or any Member of the regulatory authority or Appellate Tribunal, as the case may be.

(2)     If, on preliminary scrutiny, the Government considers it necessary to investigate into the allegation, it shall place the complaint, if any, together with supporting material as may be available, before a Judge of the High Court.

(3)     The Government shall forward to the Judge, copies of

(a)      The statement of charges against the Chairperson or Member of the regulatory authority or Appellate Tribunal, as the case may be; and

(b)      Material documents relevant to the inquiry.

(4)     The Chairperson or Member of the Authority or Appellate Tribunal, as the case may be, shall be given a reasonable opportunity of being heard with respect to the charges within the time period, as may be specified, in this behalf by the Judge.

(5)     Where it is alleged that the Chairperson or Member of the Appellate Tribunal is unable to discharge the duties of his office efficiently due to any physical or mental incapacity and the allegation is denied, the Judge may arrange for the medical examination of the Chairperson or Member of the Appellate Tribunal.

(6)     After the conclusion of the investigation, the Judge shall submit his report to the Government stating therein his findings and the reasons thereof on each of the articles of charges separately with such observations on the whole case as he thinks fit.

(7)     Thereafter, the Government shall in consultation with the Chief Justice of the High Court decide to either remove or not to remove the Chairperson or Member of the regulatory authority or Appellate Tribunal, as the case may be.

Rule - 32. Salary and allowances payable and other terms and conditions of service of the officers and other employees of the Appellate Tribunal.

(1)     The conditions of service of the officers and employees of the Appellate Tribunal and any other category of employees in the matter of pay, allowances, leave, joining time, joining time pay, age of superannuation and other conditions of service, shall be regulated in accordance with such rules and regulations as are, from time to time, applicable to officers and employees of the Government and drawing the corresponding scales of pay;

(2)     The Government shall have power to relax the provisions of any of these rules in respect of any class or category of officers or employees or consultants and experts, as the case may be.

Rule - 33. Additional powers of the Appellate Tribunal.

(1)     In addition to the matters specified in clauses (a) to (f) of sub-section (4) of Section 53 the Appellate Tribunal shall have the powers as vested in sub-section (4) of Section 53 to call upon such experts or consultants from the fields of economics, commerce, accountancy, real estate, competition, construction, architecture or engineering or from any other discipline as it deems necessary, to assist the Appellate Tribunal in the conduct of any inquiry or proceedings before it.

Rule - 34. The Administrative powers of the Chairperson of the Appellate Tribunal.

The administrative powers of the Chairperson of the Appellate Tribunal shall include making decisions with regard to the following and the Chairperson shall have full administrative powers in the following matters:

(a)      officiating against sanctioned posts;

(b)      all matters regarding disbursement of wages and salaries, other emoluments to the members, officers and staff of the Appellate Tribunal.

(c)      all matters with regard to selection and posting of officers and staff on contract basis or on daily wages against such sanctioned posts.

(d)      acceptance of resignations by any member officer or employee.

(e)      purchase of office infrastructure including computers, peripherals, other appliances, stationery, furniture etc. which are essential for the functioning of the Appellate Tribunal.

(f)       all matters with regard to works undertaken at the office of the Appellate Tribunal including office furnishings, partitioning, other improvement works etc.

(g)      authorization of tours to be undertaken by any Member, officer or employee within and outside India and allowance to be granted for the same;

(h)     all matters in relation to reimbursement of medical claims;

(i)       all matters in relation to grant or rejection of leaves;

(j)       permission for long term and short term hiring of vehicles for official use;

(k)      nominations for attending seminars, conferences and training courses in India or abroad and allowance to be granted for the same;

(l)       permission for invitation of guests to carry out training course;

(m)    all matters pertaining to staff welfare expenses;

(n)     sanction scrapping or write-off of capital assets which due to normal wear and tear have become unserviceable or are considered beyond economical repairs;

(o)      all matters relating to disciplinary action against any Member, officer or employee;

(p)      powers to delegate any of the above mentioned powers to any member or officer of the appellate tribunal as the chairperson may deem fit;

(q)      all matters pertaining to staff strength, wages and salaries structures, emoluments, perquisites and personnel policies;

(r)      all matters pertaining to creation and abolition of posts;

(s)      all matter pertaining to appointments, promotions and confirmation for all regular employees.

(t)       purchase of new vehicles for the Appellate Tribunal.

(u)     any other powers that may be required for the efficient functioning of the Appellate Tribunal and enforcement of the provisions of the Act, Rules and Regulations.

CHAPTER IX OFFENCES AND PENALTIES

Rule - 35. Terms and conditions and the fine payable for compounding of offence.

(1)     The Court shall, for the purposes of compounding any offence specified under Section 70, accept a sum of money as specified in the Table below:

Offence

Money to be paid for compounding the offence

Imprisonment under sub-section (2) of Section 59

10% of the estimated cost of the real estate project.

Imprisonment under Section 64

10% of the estimated cost of the real estate project

Imprisonment under Section 66

10% of the estimated cost of the plot, apartment or building, as the case may be, of the real estate project, for which the sale or purchase has been facilitated

Imprisonment under Section 68

10% of the estimated cost of the plot, apartment or building, as the case may be

(2)     On payment of the sum of money in accordance with the table above, any person in custody in connection with that offence shall be set at liberty and no proceedings shall be instituted or continued against such person in any court.

(3)     The acceptance of the sum of money for compounding an offence in accordance with the table above, by the Court shall be deemed to amount to an acquittal within the meaning of Section 300 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973. (Central Act 2 of 1974)

(4)     The promoter, allottee or real estate agent, as the case may be, shall comply with the orders of the regulatory authority or the Appellate Tribunal, within the period specified by the court, which shall not be more than thirty days from the date of compounding of the offence.

Rule - 36. Manner of filing a complaint with the Authority and the manner of holding an inquiry by the Authority.

(1)     Any aggrieved person may file a complaint with the Authority for any violation under the Act or the rules or regulations made thereunder, save as those provided to be adjudicated by the adjudicating officer, in Form 'M' which shall be accompanied by a fee of "rupees one Thousand" in the form of a demand draft drawn on a nationalized bank in favour of Authority or as specified by the regulations or orders of the Authority from time to time and payable at the main branch of that bank at the station where the seat of the said Authority is situated or as specified by the regulations or orders of the authority from time to time.

(2)     The Authority shall for the purposes of deciding any complaint as specified under sub-rule (1), follow summary procedure for inquiry in the following manner.

(a)      Upon receipt of the complaint the Authority shall issue a notice along with particulars of the alleged contravention and the relevant documents to the respondent;

(b)      The notice shall specify a date and time for further hearing;

(c)      On the date so fixed, the Authority shall explain to the respondent about the contravention alleged to have been committed in relation to any of the provisions of the Act or the rules and regulations made thereunder and if the respondent

(i)       Pleads guilty, the Authority shall record the plea, and pass such orders including imposition of penalty as it thinks fit in accordance with the provisions of the Act or the rules or regulations, made thereunder;

(ii)      Does not plead guilty and contests the complaint the Authority shall demand and explanation from the respondent;

(d)      In case the Authority is satisfied on the basis of the submissions made that the complaint does not require any further inquiry and it may dismiss the complaint;

(e)      In case the Authority is satisfied on the basis of the submissions made that the there is need for further hearing into the complaint it may order production of documents or other evidence on a date and time fixed by it;

(f)       The Authority shall have the power to carry out an inquiry into the complaint on the basis of documents and submissions;

(g)      The Authority, if deemed necessary, may require and appoint one or more persons or one or more officers or employees of the authority to make an enquiry in relation to the affairs of any promoter or allottee or real estate agent.

(h)     On the date so fixed, the Authority upon consideration of the evidence produced before it and other records and submissions is satisfied that

(i)       The respondent is in contravention of the provisions of the Act or the rules and regulations made thereunder it shall pass such orders including imposition of penalty as it thinks fit in accordance with the provisions of the Act or the rules and regulations made thereunder;

(ii)      The respondent is not in contravention of the provisions of the Act or the rules or regulations made thereunder the Authority may, by order in writing, dismiss the complaint, with reasons to be recorded in writing.

(i)       If any person fails, neglects or refuses to appear, or present himself as required before the Authority, the Authority shall have the power to proceed with the inquiry in the absence of such person or persons after recording the reasons for doing so.

Rule - 37. Manner of filing a complaint with the adjudicating officer and the manner of holding an inquiry by the adjudicating officer.

(1)     Any aggrieved person may file a complaint with the adjudicating officer for compensation under Section 12, 14, 18 and 19 of the Act in Form N which shall be accompanied by a fee of rupees one thousand in the form of a demand draft drawn on a nationalized bank in favour of regulatory authority or and payable at the main branch of that bank at the station where the seat of the said authority is situated or as per the regulations or orders issued by the regulatory authority from time to time.

(2)     The adjudicating officer shall for the purposes of adjudging compensation follow summary procedure for inquiry in the following manner:

(a)      Upon receipt of the complaint the adjudicating officer shall issue a notice along with particulars of the alleged contravention and the relevant documents to the promoter;

(b)      The notice shall specify a date and time for further hearing;

(c)      On the date so fixed, the adjudicating officer shall explain to the promoter about the contravention alleged to have been committed in relation to any of the provisions of the Act or the rules or regulations made thereunder and if the promoter:

(i)       Pleads guilty, the adjudicating officer shall record the plea, and award such compensation as he thinks fit in accordance with the provisions of the Act or the rules and regulations, made thereunder;

(ii)      does not plead guilty and contests the complaint the adjudicating officer shall demand and explanation from the promoter;

(d)      In case the adjudicating officer is satisfied on the basis of the submissions made that the complaint does not require any further inquiry it may dismiss the complaint;

(e)      In case the adjudicating officer is satisfied on the basis of the submissions made that the there is need for further hearing into the complaint it may order production of documents or other evidence on a date and time fixed by him;

(f)       The adjudicating officer shall have the power to carry out an inquiry into the complaint on the basis of documents and submissions;

(g)      On the date so fixed, the adjudicating officer upon consideration of the evidence produced before him and other records and submissions is satisfied that the promoter is

(i)   Liable to pay compensation, the adjudicating officer may, by order in writing, order payment of such compensation, as deemed fit by the promoter to the complainant; or

(ii)  Not liable to any compensation, the adjudicating officer may, by order in writing, dismiss the complaint, with reasons to be recorded in writing.

(h)     If any person fails, neglects or refuses to appear, or present himself as required before the adjudicating officer, the adjudicating officer shall have the power to proceed with the inquiry in the absence of such person or persons after recording the reasons for doing so.

CHAPTER X BUDGET AND REPORT

Rule - 38. Budget, accounts and audit.

(1)     The Authority shall maintain proper accounts of its funds and other relevant records. At the end of each financial year, the Authority shall prepare a budget and an annual statement of accounts. The annual statement of accounts shall be prepared in Form-"O"

(2)     The Authority shall preserve the accounts and other relevant records prepared under sub-rule (1) for a minimum period of five years.

(3)     The accounts and other relevant records prepared under sub-rule (1) shall be signed by the Chairperson, Members, Secretary and the Officer-in-charge of Finance and Accounts.

Rule - 39. Annual Report.

(1)     The Authority shall prepare immediately after the end of the calendar year, its annual report in Form "P"

(2)     In addition to matters specified in Section 78 of the Act the Authority may include in its Annual Report such other matters as it deems fit.

(3)     The annual report shall, after adoption at a meeting of the Authority and signed by the Chairperson and Members and authenticated by affixing the common seal of the authority, with requisite number of copies thereof, be submitted to the Government within a period of one hundred and eighty days immediately following the close of the year for which it has been prepared.