Madhya Pradesh Government to Crack Down on Illegal Colonies: 10-Year Jail, ₹1 Crore Fine, and 45-Day Action Plan

Bhopal: The Madhya Pradesh government is set to introduce a new stringent law in 2026 to curb illegal colonies across the state. The draft of the MP Colony Integration Act – 2026 has been finalized, aiming to unify rules for colony development in both urban and rural areas and tighten action against unlawful constructions.

Severe Penalties for Builders
Under the new law, individuals involved in establishing illegal colonies could face up to 10 years in prison and a fine of ₹1 crore. Additionally, if a complaint is verified, the authorities will take action to demolish the colony within 45 days. The current penalty of seven years’ imprisonment and ₹10 lakh fine will be significantly increased, and both imprisonment and fine can now be imposed together.

Unified Rules Across the State
The Urban Development Department is working swiftly to implement the Act, which will standardize colony development regulations across cities and villages. Builders will also benefit from a simplified licensing process, allowing them to operate in both urban and rural areas with a single license.

Timeframe for Compliance
Builders will be granted a five-year period to complete colony development. Once completed, a completion certificate will be issued within 45 days. Delays beyond this period will be treated as “deemed permission,” effectively granting automatic approval.

Action Process Under the New Law

1. Notice Issuance: Upon detecting an illegal colony, the concerned builder or individual will receive a notice within 15 days.
2. Opportunity to Comply: They will have 15 days to remove the illegal construction voluntarily.
3. Government Action: If the construction is not removed within the stipulated period, the government will demolish the colony within 15 days and seize the land.

Authority and Enforcement
The Act empowers collectors and municipal commissioners to act against illegal colonies. Commissioners will have jurisdiction in municipal areas, while collectors will handle other regions, with the option to delegate powers to SDMs to ensure swift decision-making and enforcement.

The MP Colony Integration Act – 2026 will merge relevant provisions from the existing Municipal Act and Panchayat & Gram Swaraj Act, removing outdated clauses and strengthening governance over colony development.

This bold move signals the state government’s firm stance against illegal colonies, ensuring both compliance and accountability in urban and rural planning.