Noida Sports City gets new life after SC green signal, bringing hope to 40k homebuyers

Supreme Court of India

After nearly three years of stalled construction, thousands of homebuyers stuck in Noida’s long-delayed Sports City projects have received long-awaited relief. The Supreme Court has cleared the path for work to resume, following a settlement reached between the Noida Authority and the main developer involved in the project.

Around 40,000 homebuyers, many of whom invested their life savings, are now hopeful that their dream homes will finally become a reality.

The recent order mainly focuses on the Sports City project in Sector 150, where land was originally allotted to a developer who later sub-leased it to 24 different builders. This single project covers around 300 acres and includes nearly 18,000 housing units.

The court has also indicated that similar solutions are likely for other Sports City projects in sectors 78, 79 and another part of Sector 150. Together, these developments form one of Noida’s most ambitious urban and sports-focused initiatives.

During the hearing, the Solicitor General informed the Supreme Court that the Noida Authority would lift the restrictions imposed during its 201st board meeting within the next 30 to 45 days. Once the ban is lifted, developers will be allowed to move ahead with approvals and construction work.

As part of the settlement, the developer has agreed to clear outstanding dues to the Noida Authority in a phased manner. According to the court order, the developer will pay 20 percent of the total dues within two months of the approval of a revised Master Plan. The remaining 80 percent will be paid in six equal instalments over a period of three years.

This payment proposal will be placed before the Noida Authority’s board for approval. Once cleared by the board, the revised Master Plan will be approved. The plan must clearly show all common areas and public facilities, including sports and community infrastructure.

The Supreme Court has also laid down a strict timeline to ensure that the project does not face further delays. The Noida Authority must lift its ban within 30-45 days. Developers will have 30 days to submit the revised Master Plan, and it must be approved within the next 45 days. Building plan approvals will be granted within 20 days of submission.

As per the directions, all sports-related infrastructure must be completed within three years, while the entire housing project needs to be finished within five years. The Noida Authority will keep a lien on 20 percent of the total units as a security measure to ensure compliance.

The builders will also receive a “zero period” benefit, meaning penalties for delay between March 2020 and March 2022, mainly due to the COVID-19 pandemic, will be waived. However, developers will only be issued the Occupancy Certificate (OC) after clearing all dues and completing construction as per the plan.

They are also allowed to bring in joint venture partners or co-developers, similar to arrangements followed in other areas of Noida, to help speed up construction and manage finances.

The Sports City projects were planned over more than 300 hectares across four locations in Noida. Land in sectors 78, 79 and 101 was allotted to Three C Group, while Lotus Greens received land in Sector 150. Logix Infra and ATS Homes were also allotted parcels in other sectors.

Under the original plan, 70 per cent of the land was meant for sports facilities, 28 percent for group housing and 2 percent for commercial and institutional use. The proposed sports infrastructure included a golf course, an indoor cricket stadium, swimming pools and multi-sports arenas.

In addition to those waiting for completed homes, many buyers are also waiting to get their properties registered, which has not been possible due to licensing and approval issues.