A high-rise is being built next to my house in Cuttack in violation of the town planning norms, how can I object under state town planning law?

Detailed Legal Analysis

Town planning is regulated by Odisha Rent Control Act 1962 and the master plan or development plan notified for Cuttack. The Orissa High Court has held that any development contrary to the zonal plan is liable to be stopped and demolished.

You can file objections before the planning authority during the public notice period for the layout or building plan. A writ petition before the Orissa High Court is maintainable if the authority sanctions a plan in violation of the master plan.

Setback, road width and open space requirements cannot be relaxed except by a notified amendment. Unauthorised constructions are liable to be sealed by the municipal commissioner on the court's direction.

The authority must disclose the sanctioned plan on a public portal for transparency.