Right to housing a fundamental right: Supreme Court orders Centre to set up revival fund to assist stressed real estate projects

NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court has said that the right to housing is part of the right to life guaranteed by the Constitution. The central government should set up a 'revival fund' to financially assist real estate projects that are stalled halfway. The court was considering petitions filed alleging that housing projects of private companies in various parts of the country were stalled halfway.

"The construction has not even commenced in some places despite full or substantial payment. The anxiety of not having a home despite paying a fortune is bound to take a serious toll on health, productivity and dignity. The right to a house is not only a contractual right with the company, but also a fundamental right. Homebuyers are the backbone of India's urban development. It is our constitutional responsibility to protect them," the court reminded the centre.

Home, a safe place

A home is not merely a roof over one’s head; it is a reflection of one’s hopes and dreams – a safe space for a family, a refuge from the worries of the world. This is ultimately a policy matter under the government’s domain, but the state cannot remain a silent spectator. The Real Estate Regulatory Authority must not be reduced to toothless tigers. Bad trends in the real estate sector should be curbed by providing basic facilities and setting up tribunals. The court also indicated that it will order the formation of a special mechanism to complete stalled projects.