Chandigarh, April 8 -- Tightening the noose on building bylaw violations in Chandigarh, the Union ministry of law and justice has approved a sharp hike in penalties-from Rs.500 to Rs.1 lakh per square feet per month-for unauthorised construction and misuse of premises.

The 200-fold hike in penalty, aimed at curbing rampant building misuse, will come through amendments to the Capital of Punjab (Development & Regulation) Act, 1952. The proposal, submitted by the UT administration in 2022, has received the ministry's nod and will now be tabled in the Parliament for final clearance.

This will be the first major revision in penalties since 2007, when the fine was increased from Rs.20 to Rs.500 per square feet per month under the Estate Offic...