Updated 21 October 2026. We re-read the news report of the order, the RERA Act 2016 text and the TNRERA complaint fee schedule published on rera.tn.gov.in. The pages that rank today either list the portal's links or report the ruling in a few lines. This guide goes further: it sets out which forum handles which problem, what each filing costs, how appeals work, and a checklist to catch plan deviations before you book or register.

What did the tribunal decide on 14 October 2026?

The case concerned alleged deviations at a commercial complex in Chennai. In January 2025, CMDA issued a Form-IV notice citing changes to the approved floor layout, a double-ceiling height and access arrangements in the commercial block (The New Indian Express, 19 October 2026).

Buyers then went to TNRERA. They asked for revised planning approval, rectification of the alleged violations and physical access to the commercial block. In June 2026 TNRERA directed the promoter to comply with CMDA's directions within three months and pay ₹25,000 towards legal expenses (same report).

The promoter appealed. The tribunal held that CMDA is the statutory planning authority under the 1971 Act, and that TNRERA cannot review, modify or enforce CMDA's orders. It said CMDA must take action under planning law if the deviations are established. It set aside the three-month compliance direction and allowed the complainants to withdraw the ₹25,000 deposited, with any accrued interest (The New Indian Express, 19 October 2026).

One caution: the news headline says ‘realtors’, but the order is about promoters, the builders who develop a project. We have relied on the published report; the full order text should be read before acting on a specific case.

Which forum handles which problem?

Read with the RERA Act and TNRERA's published fee schedule, the practical split now looks like this. Fees are from TNRERA's complaint fee page.

  • Delay in possession, refund with interest, missing amenities, parking and other promises in the agreement · TNRERA, complaint in Form-M under Section 31 · fee ₹1,000 plus ₹600 postage (TNRERA fee schedule).
  • Compensation claims under Sections 12, 14, 18 and 19 of the Act · the Adjudicating Officer, complaint in Form-N · fee ₹5,000 plus ₹600 postage (TNRERA fee schedule).
  • A building that deviates from its approved plan, or a CMDA notice on the building · CMDA in Chennai, or DTCP outside CMDA's area, which act under the Town and Country Planning Act (TNREAT order as reported, 19 October 2026).
  • Disagreement with a TNRERA order or an Adjudicating Officer's order · the Appellate Tribunal, within 60 days (Section 44, RERA Act).
  • Disagreement with a tribunal order · the High Court, within 60 days, on the grounds in Section 100 of the Code of Civil Procedure (Section 58, RERA Act).

Can a builder change the approved plan without buyer consent?

Not under the RERA Act. Section 14(1) requires a project to be developed and completed in accordance with the sanctioned plans, layout plans and specifications approved by the competent authorities. Section 14(2)(i) bars additions or alterations to the plan of your own apartment without your prior consent. The Act allows minor changes requested by the buyer, or minor changes needed for architectural and structural reasons certified by an architect or engineer and intimated to you.

The Act's explanation is specific: ‘minor’ excludes structural change, an addition to area, a change in height, cutting into walls, columns or floors, or closing any required means of access. Section 14(2)(ii) requires the written consent of at least two-thirds of the allottees, other than the promoter, for any other alteration to the building's plans or common areas (RERA Act 2016, as published on rera.tn.gov.in). TNRERA also publishes a format for this two-thirds consent letter.

The news report does not say how the 14 October order affects a Section 14 compensation claim before the Adjudicating Officer. The safest reading for now: the planning breach itself is CMDA's to act on, and a money claim under the Act still has its own route. Take legal advice on your facts.

Where do I complain about a building plan violation in Chennai?

  • Get the approved plan. Ask the builder or association for the CMDA or DTCP planning permit and approved drawings, and compare them with the building.
  • Write to the planning authority. For a building in CMDA's area, the complaint goes to CMDA; outside it, to DTCP. Attach photographs, the approved plan sheet and your sale agreement.
  • Ask whether a notice has been issued. The case above began with a CMDA Form-IV notice (The New Indian Express, 19 October 2026). If one exists, ask for a copy and the action taken.
  • File with TNRERA only for what TNRERA can decide: delay, refund, amenities, agreement terms. Keep the planning issue as background, not the relief you seek.
  • Track every filing. TNRERA publishes orders, cause lists and case diaries for both Form-M benches and for Form-N on its portal, which is how you follow a case status.

How do I appeal a TNRERA order?

Any person aggrieved by a TNRERA or Adjudicating Officer order may appeal to the Appellate Tribunal within 60 days of receiving the order; the tribunal can admit a late appeal for sufficient cause (Section 44, RERA Act). When a promoter appeals, it must first deposit at least 30% of any penalty, or the full amount payable to the allottee with interest and compensation, before the appeal is heard (Section 43(5) proviso).

The tribunal is a real check. In 2024 it set aside a TNRERA order because an owners' association had not been heard before a promoter's compliance report was accepted, and sent the matter back for fresh consideration (DT Next, 15 April 2024). TNRERA's portal lists appellate tribunal judgments.

Is TNRERA working normally right now?

In July 2026 the state superseded TNRERA and invited applications for chairperson and members by 19 August. Former IAS officer K Phanindra Reddy was named interim chairperson, for six months or until the authority is reconstituted, whichever is earlier (The New Indian Express, 30 July 2026). Its portal continues to publish complaint forms, cause lists and orders.

Checklist: catch a plan deviation before you book

  • Planning permit number and approved drawings from CMDA or DTCP, with the floor count and height.
  • The RERA registration and the plan uploaded with it; the two should match.
  • Floor-by-floor walk-through against the drawings: stilt and parking, floor heights, staircases and access roads.
  • Completion certificate before handover, and any notice issued on the building. See our guide Completion Certificate Chennai: Is It Safe to Buy Without OC/CC?.
  • Agreement clauses on plan changes; anything that waives your Section 14 consent deserves a lawyer's reading.

Ready-to-move homes where you can check the plan against the building

A completed building lets you compare drawings with what stands. Three ready-to-move listings on our site in south Chennai: