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Time of India
4 days ago
- Time of India
How honking is leading to uptick in road rage; experts link noise to aggression, anxiety
On July 27, a group of seven-eight individuals allegedly attacked two men with beer bottles and stones in Sector 10, Dwarka. Two days earlier, a shooting took place near Ajmeri Gate in central Delhi. On the same day, a man was beaten up by a group in southwest Delhi's Munirka. In each case, the conflict was reportedly triggered by excessive honking. It is a big concern in the city, highlighted by a 6% rise this year in the number of people caught using pressure horns . Experts point out that using the motor car horn not only involves noise but is increasingly symbolic of insult and anger. People irritated by honking engage in heated confrontations and today there often are violent outcomes on the roads. According to Delhi Police data, 1,651 challans were issued for the use of pressure horns up to July this year compared with 1,560 in the same period last year. The data also revealed that 57 people were fined for unnecessary honking or honking in silence zones up to July this year, nearly double the 28 cases in the same period last year. Police said that no-honking zones, such as areas near schools and hospitals, are under constant monitoring. Enforcement teams act against individuals using modified or pressure horns in these sensitive areas. Under Section 194F of the Motor Vehicles Act, any individual who misuses a horn while driving a motor vehicle - such as sounding it needlessly, continuously or more than necessary for safety or using it in areas where traffic signs prohibit honking - is liable to be fined. Driving a vehicle equipped with a cut-out that allows exhaust gases to bypass the silencer is also a punishable offence. Violators are subject to a fine of ₹ 1,000 for the first offence and ₹ 2,000 for any subsequent offences. Dinesh Gupta, additional commissioner of police (Traffic), said that the frequent use of pressure horns distracts other drivers on the road, scares people, especially the elderly and sick, and is one of the main sources of noise pollution. According to experts, certain high-pitched sounds can act as powerful triggers in the brains of some individuals, one of such sounds being motor car horns. "Some people suffer from conditions such as misophonia or hyperacusis. These individuals are already prone to heightened anxiety levels, and even a relatively minor auditory stimulus, like the sharp sound of a horn, can significantly disturb them," explained Dr Rajiv Mehta, senior consultant psychiatrist, Sir Ganga Ram Hospital. "What might seem like an ordinary noise to most people can cause deep irritation, discomfort, even sudden outbursts of anger, in affected individuals. At the time they commit such an act, it's possible that anxiety is controlling their actions." Experts added that sometimes, honking becomes a tool in the social power equation - a means of asserting dominance, control or superiority on the road. In most of these cases, the act is less about emotions and more about establishing authority, where the sound is used deliberately to intimidate or provoke others. Dr Rajat Mitra, a forensic psychology professor, observed that honking has evolved into a form of insult in urban settings. Continuous honking is often perceived as a personal affront, which can trigger aggression and conflict. Also, those who engage in unnecessary honking frequently display a lack of fear regarding legal consequences. For them, honking becomes a tool to assert dominance and superiority over others. When someone dares to object or confront this behaviour, they are attacked and turn from bystanders to victims in an environment where aggression is both normalised and rarely held accountable.
Time of India
4 days ago
- Time of India
You drive me crazy! How honking is leading to uptick in road rage; experts link noise to aggression, anxiety
NEW DELHI: On July 27, a group of seven-eight individuals allegedly attacked two men with beer bottles and stones in Sector 10, Dwarka. Two days earlier, a shooting took place near Ajmeri Gate in central Delhi. On the same day, a man was beaten up by a group in southwest Delhi's Munirka. In each case, the conflict was reportedly triggered by excessive honking. It is a big concern in the city, highlighted by a 6% rise this year in the number of people caught using pressure horns. Experts point out that using the motor car horn not only involves noise but is increasingly symbolic of insult and anger. People irritated by honking engage in heated confrontations and today there often are violent outcomes on the roads. You Can Also Check: Delhi AQI | Weather in Delhi | Bank Holidays in Delhi | Public Holidays in Delhi According to Delhi Police data, 1,651 challans were issued for the use of pressure horns up to July this year compared with 1,560 in the same period last year. The data also revealed that 57 people were fined for unnecessary honking or honking in silence zones up to July this year, nearly double the 28 cases in the same period last year. Police said that no-honking zones, such as areas near schools and hospitals, are under constant monitoring. Enforcement teams act against individuals using modified or pressure horns in these sensitive areas. Under Section 194F of the Motor Vehicles Act, any individual who misuses a horn while driving a motor vehicle - such as sounding it needlessly, continuously or more than necessary for safety or using it in areas where traffic signs prohibit honking - is liable to be fined. Driving a vehicle equipped with a cut-out that allows exhaust gases to bypass the silencer is also a punishable offence. Violators are subject to a fine of Rs 1,000 for the first offence and Rs 2,000 for any subsequent offences. Dinesh Gupta, additional commissioner of police (Traffic), said that the frequent use of pressure horns distracts other drivers on the road, scares people, especially the elderly and sick, and is one of the main sources of noise pollution. According to experts, certain high-pitched sounds can act as powerful triggers in the brains of some individuals, one of such sounds being motor car horns. "Some people suffer from conditions such as misophonia or hyperacusis. These individuals are already prone to heightened anxiety levels, and even a relatively minor auditory stimulus, like the sharp sound of a horn, can significantly disturb them," explained Dr Rajiv Mehta, senior consultant psychiatrist, Sir Ganga Ram Hospital. "What might seem like an ordinary noise to most people can cause deep irritation, discomfort, even sudden outbursts of anger, in affected individuals. At the time they commit such an act, it's possible that anxiety is controlling their actions." Experts added that sometimes, honking becomes a tool in the social power equation - a means of asserting dominance, control or superiority on the road. In most of these cases, the act is less about emotions and more about establishing authority, where the sound is used deliberately to intimidate or provoke others. Dr Rajat Mitra, a forensic psychology professor, observed that honking has evolved into a form of insult in urban settings. Continuous honking is often perceived as a personal affront, which can trigger aggression and conflict. Also, those who engage in unnecessary honking frequently display a lack of fear regarding legal consequences. For them, honking becomes a tool to assert dominance and superiority over others. When someone dares to object or confront this behaviour, they are attacked and turn from bystanders to victims in an environment where aggression is both normalised and rarely held accountable.
Time of India
12-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
UP: Developers ordered not to hand over incomplete flats to buyers
Uttar Pradesh Real Estate Regulatory Authority ( UP Rera ) has warned builders and developers to not hand over incomplete flats or ' canvas flats ', to homebuyers. Violating this rule could attract hefty of penalties, reported TOI. #Operation Sindoor The damage done at Pak bases as India strikes to avenge Pahalgam Why Pakistan pleaded to end hostilities Kashmir's Pahalgam sparks Karachi's nightmare The notice was issued on May 8 in response to complaints from homebuyers, who alleged that developers are forcing them to take possession of bare-shell units, which are often devoid of proper flooring, electrical fittings, plumbing and kitchen furnishings, while signing the builder-buyer agreements (BBA). The notice says that such practices were a serious breach of the Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act, 2016, which mandates that ready-to-move-in apartments can be handed to buyers after obtaining valid occupancy or completion certificates. "It has come to the notice of the regulatory authority that some of the promoters, when executing the agreement for sale (BBA), are making the allottees agree to the condition of accepting physical possession of canvas flats and are, in fact, handing over possession to such flats," the notice by Rera secretary Mahendra Verma said. he notice added that promoters can only give physical possession of the apartments after receiving OCs/CCs and executing sales deeds/lease deeds/sub-lease deeds. Live Events As per the complaints, developers are resorting to such malpractice to offload unsold and unfinished inventory, exposing homebuyers to potential delays, additional costs and legal complications. Penalties for these violations could go up to 5% of the real estate project's total cost, the notice read. Developers said on Saturday that Rera's notice would help make the industry more disciplined. "As per UP Rera's earlier directives, if a developer applies for four key NOCs — fire safety, structural stability, lifts and electricity — and does not receive a response from the competent authority within a month, it should be treated as a case of deemed occupancy or completion certificate (OC/CC). In such cases, developers should be allowed to offer possession. We fully agree that possession should not be offered merely to raise the final demand for payment. It must reflect a genuine intent to hand over a livable home to the buyer. Where deemed OC is applicable and all essential services and common amenities are in place, buyers should be allowed to take possession. This approach will protect homebuyers from undue harassment and the long wait for elusive OC/CC approvals," said Dinesh Gupta, secretary of CREDAI's western UP unit told TOI. Umesh Rathore, vice-president for sales and marketing for VVIP Group said, "UP Rera's latest directive is both timely and welcome. It will significantly boost homebuyer confidence and strengthen the credibility of the real estate sector. The Authority is setting a strong precedent. This move pushes the industry toward much-needed discipline and ensures better protection for genuine homebuyers." All three development authorities in the district, including, Noida, Greater Noida and Yamuna Expressway, have now made it mandatory to sign a bipartite agreement with the developer and pay stamp duty at the time of booking to prevent multiple sales of the same unit.
Time of India
12-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Uttar Pradesh RERA warns builders not to hand over incomplete flats to buyers
NOIDA : UP Rera has warned developers not to hand over incomplete, or 'canvas flats', to homebuyers, and violating this rule could attract large sums of penalties. The notice, issued on May 8, came in response to complaints from homebuyers, who allege that developers are forcing them to take possession of bare-shell units – which are often devoid of proper flooring, electrical fittings, plumbing and kitchen furnishings – while signing the builder-buyer agreements (BBA). Rera said in the notice that such practices were a serious breach of the Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act, 2016, which mandates that ready-to-move-in apartments can be handed to buyers after obtaining valid occupancy or completion certificates. "It has come to the notice of the regulatory authority that some of the promoters, when executing the agreement for sale (BBA), are making the allottees agree to the condition of accepting physical possession of canvas flats and are, in fact, handing over possession to such flats," the notice by Rera secretary Mahendra Verma said. It added that promoters can only give physical possession of the apartments after receiving OCs/CCs and executing sales deeds/lease deeds/sub-lease deeds. According to the complaints, developers are using this technique to offload unsold and unfinished inventory, exposing homebuyers to potential delays, additional costs and legal complications. Penalties for these violations could go up to 5% of the real estate project's total cost, the notice read. Developers said on Saturday that Rera's notice would help make the industry more disciplined. "As per UP Rera's earlier directives, if a developer applies for four key NOCs — fire safety, structural stability, lifts and electricity — and does not receive a response from the competent authority within a month, it should be treated as a case of deemed occupancy or completion certificate (OC/CC). In such cases, developers should be allowed to offer possession. We fully agree that possession should not be offered merely to raise the final demand for payment. It must reflect a genuine intent to hand over a livable home to the buyer. Where deemed OC is applicable and all essential services and common amenities are in place, buyers should be allowed to take possession. This approach will protect homebuyers from undue harassment and the long wait for elusive OC/CC approvals," said Dinesh Gupta, secretary of CREDAI's western UP unit, said. Umesh Rathore, vice-president for sales and marketing for VVIP Group said, "UP Rera's latest directive is both timely and welcome. It will significantly boost homebuyer confidence and strengthen the credibility of the real estate sector. The Authority is setting a strong precedent. This move pushes the industry toward much-needed discipline and ensures better protection for genuine homebuyers." Separately, all three development authorities in the district – Noida, Greater Noida and Yamuna Expressway – have now made it mandatory to sign a bipartite agreement with the developer and pay stamp duty at the time of booking to prevent multiple sales of the same unit.
Hindustan Times
12-05-2025
- Business
- Hindustan Times
Noida: UP-Rera to crack down on handover of incomplete flats
The Uttar Pradesh Real Estate Regulatory Authority (UP-Rera) has directed all developers to immediately stop handing over incomplete apartments to homebuyers, cracking down on errant builders, officials said. The order, issued on May 8, clearly reiterates the law that possession can only be offered after full completion of the apartment, all promised amenities are in place, and a registered sale or lease deed has been executed, they added. The directive, issued under Section 37 of the Rera Act, 2016, aims to protect new buyers from being forced to accept bare-shell flats, a practice that UP-Rera has deemed both illegal and a serious violation of the law. 'The promoters found violating these rules can be fined up to 5% of the total project cost under Sections 38 and 61 of the Rera Act,' said Mahendra Verma, secretary, UP-Rera. To be sure, Uttar Pradesh building bylaws states that a developer must secure multiple no-objection certificates — including fire safety, dues clearance, and provisions for parks, lifts, pools, and other common services — before applying for an all parameters are met, the Noida Authority inspects the site. Only after OC is granted can possession be legally handed over. Without an OC, giving possession is illegal, officials said. The authority said physical possession of an apartment can only be transferred after the builder obtains a completion or occupancy certificate from the competent authority. Further, developers must execute a legally registered agreement before demanding more than 10% of the property cost, officials added. The order defines 'ready-to-move-in' units as those where all internal works — flooring, plumbing, electrical connections, fire safety, doors, windows, and other finishes — are complete and in accordance with what is promised in the brochure and sanctioned plan. According to Rule 1.8(3) of the UP Agreement for Sale Rules, 2018, the price quoted must include land cost, construction charges, development fees, and committed amenities — any deviation is considered default. 'The developers must deliver the apartments once they complete the facilities as per the promises made in the builder-buyer agreement, and also they must fulfil all legal formalities because it is related with safety too,' said Dinesh Gupta, secretary of the Confederation of the Real Estate Developers Association of India (Credai). UPRera's directive has been welcomed by homebuyer groups, while developers have raised concerns about increasing compliance demands, especially in projects where utility connections or final clearances cause delays. 'Many developers citing the financial crisis have given possession to incomplete housing projects without obtaining a mandatory occupancy certificate. As a result, the flat buyer suffers as he is made to live without basic amenities in the society,' said Madhvi Singh, a homebuyer at Supertech Romano, Sector 118. In a related move, the Noida, Greater Noida, and Yamuna Expressway industrial development authorities have made it mandatory to pay stamp duty upfront at the time of booking in all new housing projects, further tightening procedural norms for developers.
