Gurgaon: Chintels Paradiso, where a vertical collapse across five floors killed two residents in Feb 2022, is set to be razed and completely rebuilt, with Supreme Court clearing the decks for a time-bound redevelopment plan for the Sector 109 condominium.A bench of justices Pamidighantam Sri Narasimha and Alok Aradhe ordered that the redevelopment should start by March 31, 2027. Sobha will undertake the project along with Chintels India Pvt Ltd (CIPL), subject to statutory approvals. The court fixed Jan 1, 2027, as deadline for residents still occupying some of the unsafe towers to sign agreements, vacate their flats, and hand them over. The judges noted that around 80-90 people were still living in flats declared unsafe, and clarified that no extension should be entertained.The Paradiso project had 532 flats across nine towers spread over 12 acres. Towers D, E, F, G and H, forming Phase I of the project, have already been demolished. Towers A, B, C and J, part of Phase II, will be razed and are part of the redevelopment plan. The redeveloped project will have six towers with 800 flats.In Feb 2022, a portion of Flat 603 in Tower D collapsed, triggering an implosion in the floors below, and killing two residents. An FIR was registered at Bajghera police station and later referred to CBI by Haryana govt. Structural audits, including those conducted by IIT-Delhi, followed.Under the settlement approved by the apex court, owners choosing redevelopment of their flats will have to pay Rs 1,000 per sqft, with no additional or hidden financial burden. The new flats will have the same carpet area as the existing ones, subject to a maximum 3% variation, and must match the specifications, materials, fixtures, fittings, finishes and amenities being offered by Sobha to new buyers.The rebuilt homes for residents of towers A, B, C and J will come up on the existing Phase II land. CIPL has also been directed to pay a fixed rent to eligible homeowners from Jan 31, 2027, until physical possession of their new flats is given. It must initially deposit Rs 5 crore in an escrow account, which will be reviewed every six months and replenished if required.Residents of the four towers will also get Rs 40,000 each as one-time relocation charges, irrespective of whether they vacate before or after signing the settlement documents.Of the 532 homeowners in Paradiso, 196 had opted for buyback and completed the required documents, 164 had signed redevelopment agreements, while 172 are yet to exercise their option or finalise arrangements.RWA president Rakesh Hooda backed the settlement. “This marks a new beginning for Paradiso homeowners. We are grateful to Supreme Court for facilitating a fair and time-bound resolution. With Sobha undertaking the redevelopment, we look forward to rebuilding Paradiso as a safe, modern and truly ultra-luxury project. Most importantly, homeowners now have the assurance of getting their homes back within a defined timeline. Until then, they will be paid rent,” he said.Chintels India director Prashant Solomon said the company was pleased that an amicable settlement had been reached with the homeowners. “We are very happy that we have reached an amicable settlement with our customers on this matter. It is our top priority to ensure that the redevelopment now happens smoothly and that all parties are satisfied,” he added.The court asked CIPL, through Sobha, to take all steps to start work by March 31 next year. The state govt was asked to facilitate permissions, with paperwork preferably completed within three weeks of submission.The 24-month clock will run from Jan 1, 2027, and physical handover of the rebuilt apartments will have to be completed within that period. The court also ordered that disputes over the approved redevelopment framework should be brought before it and barred other courts or authorities from passing orders that could restrain implementation.The settlement was made binding on all homebuyers. The connected writ and contempt petitions were disposed of.
