In a packed courtroom on February 25, 2026, the Supreme Court of India took up the long-running Unitech matter and expressed concern over the sheer number of pending applications filed over the years. The Bench, led by Justice J.B. Pardiwala and Justice K.V. Viswanathan, noted that since 2016, nearly 2,000 interim applications have piled up in the case.
The Court made it clear that the situation could not continue in this manner.
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Background of the Case
The proceedings arise out of Civil Appeal No. 10856 of 2016, Bhupinder Singh vs. Unitech Ltd. & Ors.
The Unitech case has been under continuous monitoring by the Supreme Court, especially concerning stalled housing projects, land disputes, and protection of homebuyers’ interests. A government-appointed Board is currently managing the affairs of Unitech under the Court’s supervision.
Over the years, both sides have filed multiple interim applications (IAs), seeking directions on land issues, environmental approvals, refunds, loan disbursement, and other administrative matters.
Court’s Concern Over Mounting Applications
At the outset, the Bench observed that the number of interim applications had reached “almost 2000.” The Court said it was unnecessary to individually adjudicate each application if many had already become irrelevant or infructuous (meaning no longer requiring a decision).
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The Bench directed counsel for the Board and the homebuyers to prepare a consolidated list of all pending IAs in three columns:
- IA number
- Relief sought
- Reasons why the IA has become infructuous
The Court fixed April 15, 2026, as the deadline for submitting this chart. Once received, the Court will pass a consolidated order disposing of applications that no longer survive.
Karnataka Land Dispute and FIR
One of the key interim applications (IA No. 9000/2025) concerns alleged illegal execution of a sale deed relating to project land in Karnataka. The Board sought cancellation of the sale deed, restoration of revenue records, and criminal action against private parties.
The Court took note that the Sub-Registrar at Jigani had already registered an FIR (No. 234 of 2024 dated 03.09.2024) regarding the alleged fraud.
Since the FIR investigation is underway, the Bench directed the Deputy Inspector General of Police, Karnataka, to assign a Superintendent of Police to examine the investigation papers and file a status report before the Court.
The Bench observed that further directions on the Board’s requests would be considered after reviewing the police report.
Appointment of New Directors on Unitech Board
In two separate interim applications filed by the Ministry of Corporate Affairs, the Court allowed the appointment of new directors on Unitech’s Board.
The Court ordered the appointment of:
- Mr. Ramsekhar Manchikalapati
- Ms. Rasika Chaubey
Both appointments were formally approved by the Bench
Refund on Medical Grounds
The Court also corrected a typographical error in a previous order and clarified that a particular application had been referred to the Justice Sapre Committee for refund consideration on medical grounds.
The Committee had recommended refund. The Court directed the Registry to release the amount to the Board, which must then disburse it to the concerned applicants after proper verification.
In an application pending since 2021, the Court noted that NOIDA had not filed its response despite earlier notice. Granting a final opportunity, the Bench directed NOIDA to clarify its stand on the reliefs sought.
The Board informed the Court that out of 347 acres of project land, around 4.25 acres are under encroachment. This is affecting road construction and sale of plots.
The Court requested senior counsel Mr. Ravindra Kumar to look into the issue and resolve it at the earliest.
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Auction of Mortgaged Properties Halted
A significant part of the hearing focused on unsold inventory and mortgaged project land. The Court directed the Board to convene a meeting with lenders and financial creditors on March 6, 2026.
Importantly, the Bench ordered that, for now, the Board shall not proceed with auction of any properties mortgaged with lenders.
The Court emphasized cooperation from financial institutions, observing that without it, the Court may have to intervene further.
In certain applications relating to environmental clearance and Consent to Establish, the Court noted delays by authorities in complying with earlier directions dated September 16, 2025.
Granting one final opportunity, the Bench directed the concerned authorities to comply with the Court’s earlier orders.
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Decision
The Supreme Court:
- Directed preparation of a consolidated list of nearly 2,000 interim applications.
- Ordered a police status report on the Karnataka FIR.
- Approved appointment of two new directors on Unitech’s Board.
- Halted auction of mortgaged properties for now.
- Directed lenders to meet the Board by March 6, 2026.
- Granted final opportunities to authorities and NOIDA to comply and respond.
The matter is next listed for April 15, 2026.
Case Title: Bhupinder Singh vs. Unitech Ltd. & Ors.
Case No.: Civil Appeal No. 10856 of 2016
Case Type: Civil Appeal
Decision Date: 25 February 2026
