In a major relief for nearly 51,000 homebuyers who have been waiting for their flats for over a decade, the Supreme Court on Thursday upheld an order assigning state-owned NBCC (National Buildings Construction Corporation) the responsibility of completing 16 unfinished housing projects of debt-ridden real estate firm Supertech.

The apex court upheld the National Company Law Appellate Tribunal’s (NCLAT) December 12, 2024, order directing NBCC to take over and complete the stalled residential projects and ensure early delivery of flats to buyers.

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A bench comprising Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi exercised the Supreme Court’s special powers under Article 142 of the Constitution to ensure that the construction work proceeds without obstruction. The court directed that no tribunal or High Court should pass any order that may hinder NBCC’s work on the projects.

The Supreme Court dismissed all appeals and petitions challenging the NCLAT order, including those filed by Apex Heights Private Limited. Earlier, the court had granted an interim stay on the NCLAT’s February 21, 2025, order, but has now issued a final verdict allowing NBCC to proceed with the construction.

The 16 Supertech projects, for which bookings were made between 2010 and 2012, have remained incomplete for more than 10 years, leaving thousands of homebuyers in distress. The court noted that the interests of financial and operational creditors can be safeguarded only if the housing projects are fully completed, and flats are handed over to buyers.

The bench directed that the flats must be delivered with all basic amenities, including electricity, water and sewage connections, internal roads, and parks. NBCC has been asked to commence work immediately and expedite construction as per the timeline recommended by an expert committee appointed by the NCLAT.

The Supreme Court also directed the committee to assist NBCC in completing the projects and granted liberty to all parties to approach the court in case of any future issues related to execution.

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Earlier, Supertech had informed the court that around 80 per cent of construction work had already been completed in many of the projects and that the remaining work could be finished within 24 months. However, lawyers representing the homebuyers opposed this proposal, citing NBCC’s successful role in completing stalled Amrapali projects, and argued that NBCC should be entrusted with the responsibility.

After hearing all sides, the Supreme Court ruled in favour of NBCC taking over the projects, paving the way for long-awaited relief to thousands of stranded homebuyers.