CRAWFED appeal the Administrator of Chandigarh for Chandigarh Housing Board's Practice of Retrospective Superseding Notifications –

CRAWFED appeal the Administrator of Chandigarh for Chandigarh Housing Board's Practice of Retrospective Superseding Notifications – Calls for Prospective Application of Rules to Protect Residents' Rights

Chandigarh 28 February ( Ranjeet Singh Dhaliwal ) : The Chandigarh Housing Board (CHB) has repeatedly issued notifications that supersede earlier ones with retrospective effect, particularly concerning need-based changes to dwelling units, building regulations, and allotment policies. A notable example is the notification dated January 3, 2023, which superseded all prior orders, resulting in the reclassification of previously approved or permitted modifications as violations. This has triggered enforcement measures such as notices, demolitions, and penalties, causing severe disruption and hardship to thousands of CHB allotees

This practice not only contravenes established judicial principles but also amounts to harassment of ordinary residents, forcing them into prolonged litigation, financial strain, and emotional distress. It infringes upon the right to housing, which forms an essential part of the right to life and personal liberty under Article 21 of the Constitution. With nearly 60,000–70,000 CHB allottees affected by inconsistent policies spanning over a decade, such actions erode public trust in administrative institutions.

CRAWFED urges the Administrator of Chandigarh to intervene and instruct the Chandigarh Housing Board to immediately discontinue the issuance of retrospective superseding notifications without clear legislative backing and a strong rational basis. All future changes must be prospective in operation, accompanied by appropriate transitional provisions to safeguard existing rights and legitimate expectations.