Bengaluru, December 14, 2025 – In a bid to modernize housing regulations for the state's burgeoning apartment dwellers, the Karnataka government announced plans to introduce the Karnataka Apartment (Ownership and Management) Bill, 2025, while actively soliciting feedback from residents to shape the legislation.
Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, who oversees Bengaluru's urban development, revealed the initiative during a consultation session on Saturday at Vidhana Soudha, the state legislative complex. The proposed bill seeks to overhaul the Karnataka Apartment Ownership Act of 1972, addressing long-standing grievances related to ownership rights, maintenance disputes, redevelopment, and the governance of common areas in multi-dwelling complexes.
With nearly 19% of Bengaluru's population—approximately 1.3 crore people—now residing in apartments, Shivakumar emphasized the urgency of the reforms. "Bengaluru has grown significantly, and no government has attempted to amend or overhaul the 1972 Act since its introduction," he said, highlighting the need for mechanisms to resolve disputes and ensure fair operations in residential complexes.
The session, organized in collaboration with the Bangalore Apartments Federation, drew over 200 representatives from various resident associations. Participants voiced concerns over delays in implementing promised reforms—a key pledge in the Congress party's 2023 assembly election manifesto—and urged swift action to prevent apartments from being treated merely as "vote banks."
In a candid exchange, Shivakumar linked the bill's progress to support in the upcoming Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA) elections, expressing frustration over apartment residents' historical lack of backing for the Congress despite fulfilled promises. "I have called this meeting only because I stand with home buyers. I know your pain and problems and want to help you. But at the same time, I expect support from you in the upcoming elections," he remarked, adding that he harbored "huge expectations" from the community.
Residents pushed back, with one north Bengaluru dweller telling reporters, "We are not just vote banks. We are asking the government to do the job they are supposed to do. It is not right for us to be treated this way." Others noted that their voting decisions would hinge on the bill's timely enactment, nearly 2.5 years into the current administration's term.
The consultation also saw Shivakumar address a recent open letter from activist Kiran Hebbar, who warned that apartment owners—numbering in the crores—could sway GBA polls if their demands for urgent amendments were ignored. Dismissing the tone as a "threat," the deputy CM declared, "I fear no one... Not even PM Modi or HM Amit Shah. Will I fear a Hebbar?" He read excerpts from the letter aloud, underscoring his disappointment but reaffirming the government's commitment to incorporating resident input.
Hebbar later clarified to media outlets that his intent was collaborative, stating the bill's passage would "mutually benefit the state government and the residents."
To ensure broad participation, Shivakumar extended an invitation for written suggestions via email to gbasuggesion@gmail.com, setting a 10-day deadline for submissions. "Those who have not been able to provide their suggestions may send an email within the next 10 days. We are committed to the welfare of apartment owners," he assured.
Framing the bill as part of his broader vision for Bengaluru, Shivakumar expressed a desire to "leave a legacy" through initiatives like tunnel roads, the Bengaluru Business Corridor, and digital reforms such as Nambike Naksha and e-Khata. He also highlighted recent measures, including installment schemes for water connections in apartments, as evidence of the government's pro-resident stance.
The Karnataka Apartment Bill 2025 emerges against a backdrop of rapid urbanization, where apartments have become the dominant housing model in India's Silicon Valley. Proponents argue it will streamline governance, prevent exploitation by builders, and foster sustainable redevelopment. Critics, however, decry the politicization of the process and call for faster tabling in the legislature.
As feedback pours in, the bill's fate—and its impact on millions—remains a litmus test for the Siddaramaiah government's urban agenda. The GBA elections, expected in the coming months, may well amplify these stakes.
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