Apartments’ body welcomes government’s consultative approach on draft KAOM Act

Bengaluru: The Bengaluru Apartments Federation (BAF) has wholeheartedly welcomed the public consultation on the draft Karnataka Apartment Ownership and Management Act (KAOMA) 2025, chaired by Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, a release says.

The BAF stated that the government’s announcement that the draft legislation would be refined after considering public feedback and introduced in the upcoming Karnataka Legislative Assembly session has brought renewed hope to the apartment community, which has been awaiting a comprehensive legal framework for several years.

More than 500 apartment representatives participated in the consultation held at Prof. U.R. Rao Hall, Jawaharlal Nehru Planetarium, Bengaluru recently.

The participants shared valuable suggestions and views on establishing a comprehensive legal framework for apartment ownership, maintenance, and self-governance in the State.

Apart from the Chief Minister, the meeting was attended by Greater Bengaluru Development Minister Krishna Byre Gowda, Additional Chief Secretary (Urban Development) Tushar Girinath, senior officials of the GBA and the Urban Development Department.

Speaking on the occasion, BAF President Satish Mallya said: “The Federation fully supports the government’s initiative to enact a comprehensive law governing apartment ownership and management in Karnataka.”

“This was not merely a consultation on a draft Bill; it was a historic exercise in which the government directly listened to the voices of lakhs of apartment residents. Karnataka needs a comprehensive law that safeguards the rights of apartment owners, clearly defines the responsibilities of builders, strengthens the powers of apartment associations, and promotes transparent and self-governed community management. The Chief Minister’s assurance that the Bill will be introduced in the Legislative Assembly after incorporating public suggestions is a highly welcome development,” he said.

BAF General Secretary K. Arun Kumar said that apartment communities had submitted several constructive suggestions during the consultation to strengthen the proposed legislation.

These included protecting the rights of apartment owners, promoting democratic self-governance, enhancing builder accountability, improving transparency, clearly defining the role of the Competent Authority, and reducing future legal disputes.

During the consultation, residents raised over 60 questions, all of which were comprehensively addressed by Minister Krishna Byre Gowda and Additional Chief Secretary Tushar Girinath.

The State government has invited suggestions and feedback on the draft Bill until August 5, 2026. Stakeholders may submit their comments via email to kaomablr@gmail.com.