Punjab and Haryana High Court Expresses Concern Over Skyrocketing Property Prices in Tricity

The Punjab and Haryana High Court has expressed strong concern over the rapidly increasing prices of residential plots and flats in the Tricity region, including Chandigarh, Mohali, and Panchkula. The court observed that the growing cost of housing has made home ownership increasingly difficult for ordinary citizens and middle-class families. The remarks were made by a bench comprising Justice Anupinder Singh Grewal and Justice Deepak Manchanda, which directed the governments of Punjab, Haryana, and the Union Territory of Chandigarh to submit a suitable proposal aimed at restoring the objective of affordable housing. The court emphasized that the proposal should include mechanisms such as a draw of lots to ensure that residential plots remain accessible to salaried individuals and middle-income families. During the hearing, the bench noted that the prices at which residential plots and flats are being auctioned by government agencies in the Tricity have pushed home ownership beyond the reach of professionals, salaried individuals, and other economically weaker sections of society. The court observed that auctions conducted by agencies such as the Haryana Urban Development Authority, the Greater Mohali Area Development Authority, and the Chandigarh Housing Board have set prices that many citizens cannot afford. Expressing serious concern over the rising property rates, the court directed the administrations to present practical and accessible housing policies. The order calls on the governments of Chandigarh, Punjab, and Haryana to ensure that policy measures are introduced so that middle- and lower-income groups can afford to purchase homes. The bench further remarked that despite having substantial financial resources, the agencies appear to be continuing the practice of auctioning plots at very high rates instead of promoting affordable housing for ordinary citizens. The court stated that it seems the states have begun focusing on profit generation, which has placed a heavy burden on the common people. Linking the issue to constitutional guarantees, the court emphasized that access to shelter is an integral part of the right to life. It stated that Article 21 of the Constitution of India, which guarantees the right to life and personal liberty, also includes the right to shelter and affordable housing. The bench noted that providing affordable housing is therefore a fundamental responsibility of the state. The High Court directed the governments of Haryana, Punjab, and the Union Territory of Chandigarh to present a proposal aimed at promoting affordable housing for all sections of society, including the salaried and middle-class population. The proposal may include measures such as a draw of lots and other policy mechanisms. The bench has listed the matter for further hearing on March 24 after appointing advocate Srinath A. Khemka as amicus curiae to assist the court in the case.