Dadri Administration Seals 12 Builder Offices After UP-RERA Orders Over ₹175 Crore Default

The district administration in Dadri, Uttar Pradesh, has sealed the offices of 12 builders for defaulting on payments exceeding ₹175 crore. The enforcement action was carried out over a 12-day period after repeated recovery notices were ignored by the developers. The action follows recovery certificates (RCs) issued by the Uttar Pradesh Real Estate Regulatory Authority (UP RERA), which had directed the district authorities to recover the outstanding dues in accordance with land revenue laws.

The sealed offices include those of prominent names like Antariksh Engineers, Elegant Infracon, Ansal Hitech, Rudra Buildwell, and Uttam Steels. According to Anuj Nehra, the Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) of Dadri, the sealing of offices was the result of continued non-compliance by these builders despite repeated intimation and legal orders. He stated that the office of Antariksh Engineers was sealed over dues of ₹4 crore, while Elegant Infracon’s outstanding dues amounted to ₹15 crore.

Among the defaulters, Uttam Steels and Associates stands out with the largest unpaid amount, estimated at ₹57 crore. Ansal Hitech Township has defaulted on ₹26 crore, Rudra Buildwell Project owes ₹32 crore, and Rudra Buildwell Homes has arrears of ₹38 crore. DSD Homes was also sealed for unpaid dues of ₹3 crore. In addition, other firms such as Shubh Advisors, Hebe Infrastructure, Dhanya Promoters, Aastha Infracity, and Ansal Landmark Township owe relatively smaller amounts ranging from ₹1.7 lakh to ₹1 crore.

These actions are based on the provisions under which UP-RERA can issue recovery certificates when developers fail to comply with its orders. Such orders often relate to refunding homebuyers, paying compensation, or fulfilling possession timelines. Once an RC is issued, it enables the district administration to recover the dues as if they were land revenue arrears, similar to a tax recovery procedure.

The Dadri tehsil alone reportedly has over 100 projects where developers owe more than ₹500 crore collectively. Authorities warn that if payments are not made promptly, more sealing actions will follow. Officials have noted that many of these cases involve delays of several years in handing over possession to buyers or failing to deliver promised amenities. Homebuyers have been left in limbo while developers continue operations from plush offices, ignoring legal and financial responsibilities.

One of the major hurdles in the recovery process is the non-cooperation of developers based in Delhi. UP-RERA has issued more than 330 RCs for such projects located in Delhi or having promoters headquartered there. However, the recovery rate has been significantly low due to jurisdictional challenges and lack of coordination between Uttar Pradesh and Delhi administrative authorities. This has led to many pending cases where developers neither comply nor face effective consequences in time.

With over 2,700 RCs currently pending across Uttar Pradesh, the recent enforcement drive in Dadri marks a turning point in the approach of the district administration. It sends a clear message that continued defaults will no longer go unchecked.

While the sealing of offices is a visible and stern measure, the larger challenge remains the actual recovery of funds and ensuring justice for affected homebuyers. Going forward, collaboration between regulatory bodies and cross-state administrative units will be crucial for sustaining the momentum of such recovery efforts.