Haryana Stilt+4 Policy Stayed by High Court Over Safety Concerns

• High Court halts Haryana’s stilt+4 residential construction policy
• Weak infrastructure and safety risks flagged as major concerns
• Interim stay to remain in effect until April 8 hearing

Punjab and Haryana High Court has imposed an interim stay on the Haryana government’s stilt plus four floors residential policy. The order, issued on April 2, raises serious concerns about the state’s infrastructure capacity and public safety, particularly in rapidly growing urban areas like Gurugram.

The bench, led by Chief Justice Sheel Nagu and Justice Sanjeev Berry, passed the interim order while hearing a batch of public interest litigations (PILs). The court has made it clear that the state government cannot implement the policy until further orders. The next hearing is scheduled for April 8.

Infrastructure Under Pressure

The court emphasized that Gurugram’s existing infrastructure is already under severe strain. Allowing additional floors without adequate planning could further worsen the situation. The bench observed that granting permission for more floors in such conditions may lead to serious urban management and safety issues.

A report submitted by a court-appointed committee revealed alarming ground realities. In areas such as DLF Phase-1 and Sector-28, roads originally planned to be 10–12 meters wide have effectively narrowed to just 3.9–4.8 meters. This reduction has been attributed to rampant encroachment, unauthorized construction, and poor urban planning.

The report also highlighted issues such as faulty sewage systems, increasing population density, and unregulated construction activities. These factors are already putting immense pressure on basic civic amenities.

Policy Implemented Without Capacity Audit

The court further noted that the Haryana government failed to conduct a crucial infrastructure capacity audit before implementing the policy. Experts had earlier recommended such an audit to evaluate the city’s readiness in terms of water supply, sewage systems, drainage, electricity, parking, and fire safety.

Ignoring these recommendations, the government proceeded with the policy, which, according to the court, could aggravate issues like traffic congestion, waterlogging, and sewer overflow.

In its preliminary observations, the High Court also remarked that the state may have prioritized revenue generation over essential infrastructure development. This, the court suggested, undermines its constitutional responsibility to ensure a safe and clean living environment for residents.

What is the Stilt+4 Policy?

Under a notification issued on July 2, 2024, the Haryana government allowed the construction of a fourth floor on residential plots. Alongside this, a composition policy was introduced to regularize unauthorized constructions by imposing a fee.

Matter Linked to Supreme Court

Interestingly, the case has also seen intervention from the Supreme Court of India. Earlier, the High Court had refused to grant interim relief. However, in July 2025, the Supreme Court permitted the petitioners to approach the High Court again for interim relief.

Representing the petitioners, senior advocate Nivedita Sharma argued that Gurugram’s infrastructure is already operating at its peak capacity. Allowing additional floors without assessing structural and civic readiness would directly compromise public safety and encourage unregulated urban expansion.

The High Court’s decision marks a crucial checkpoint in Haryana’s urban development strategy. As cities like Gurugram continue to expand rapidly, the focus is now shifting towards sustainable development and infrastructure readiness rather than unchecked vertical growth. The upcoming hearing on April 8 will be critical in determining the future of the stilt+4 policy.