BBMP Makes Occupancy Certificate Mandatory for Power and Water Connections as per Supreme Court Order

News Flash

14 May

Over 66,000 Applications Pending in Bengaluru: BESCOM and BWSSB to Provide Services Only After OC Submission

Bengaluru, May 14: In a significant move following a Supreme Court directive, the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) has begun reaching out to thousands of applicants seeking electricity, water, and sanitation connections within the city limits, urging them to obtain Occupancy Certificates (OC).

This follows the Supreme Court’s ruling on December 17, 2024, in Civil Appeal No. 14605/2024 (arising from Writ Petition No. 46342/2013), which mandates that utility services like electricity (BESCOM) and water/sanitation (BWSSB) must only be extended to buildings possessing either an Occupancy Certificate (OC) or Completion Certificate (CC) issued by the competent local authority.

“Utilities will not be provided to unauthorised constructions. OC/CC is now compulsory as per the Supreme Court ruling.”
— BBMP Chief Commissioner mentioned.

66,400 Applications Under Review

As of now, around 66,400 applications for electricity connections under BESCOM have been submitted within BBMP limits. In response, BBMP will contact applicants via SMS and phone calls to gather the following details:

• Whether the applicant possesses an 'A' or 'B' Khata

• Whether the building plan is BBMP-approved

• Whether the Occupancy Certificate/Completion Certificate has been applied for or obtained

What Citizens Must Do:

The BBMP Chief Commissioner has urged all building owners and applicants to submit the necessary documents without delay and apply for an OC only through registered Architects or Engineers. The application can be made via the BBMP’s official online portal:

👉 https://bpas.bbmpgov.in/BPAMSClient4/Default.aspx

“We urge citizens to comply with legal requirements to avoid denial of essential services,”
— BBMP official added.

Why This Matters:

The move is part of a larger effort to curb unauthorized constructions in Bengaluru and enforce urban planning norms. Lack of an Occupancy Certificate often implies non-compliance with building bylaws, posing serious safety and environmental concerns.