India, Aug. 21 -- The department of town and country planning (DTCP) is planning an eightfold increase in the penalty amount levied to de-seal buildings sealed for violating building plans or occupancy certificate conditions, officials aware of the matter said. The current penalty of Rs.630 per square metre (sqm) is proposed to be raised to Rs.5,000 per sqm, and the bank guarantee is proposed to be raised from Rs.1,260 per sqm to Rs.10,000 per sqm, they said.

Officials said that guidelines regarding the revised penalties are expected to be issued by the DTCP headquarters in Chandigarh by the month-end.

"The penalty amount for de-sealing is proposed to be increased manifold to prevent repeated violations by property owners. It is expecte...