India, Sept. 12 -- For 13 years, 66-year-old Rajmal Jain has waited to reopen his shop in his redeveloped building in Nalasopara East. Now, his wait has stretched indefinitely. Last week, the Vasai-Virar City Municipal Corporation (VVCMC) put on hold the process of granting Occupation Certificates (OCs) and registering 95 buildings after finding that they had been granted excess Floor Space Index (FSI) by a former civic chief.

Just like Jain, VVCMC commissioner Prithiviraj PB's decision has impacted hundreds of other families. They were served notice last week, stating that the OC and registrations for the redeveloped projects had been halted. The files for the redeveloped projects have been sent to the state Urban Development Department...