The Himachal Pradesh Real Estate Regulatory Authority (HP RERA) has levied a cumulative interim penalty of ₹70 lakh (approximately $84,000 USD) on the promoters of the Chester Hills-2 and Chester Hills-4 residential projects located in Solan district, Himachal Pradesh, India. The penalty arises from serious statutory violations, including financial irregularities and unauthorized deviations in construction, as per the Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act, 2016. Each project, promoted by Hansraj Thakur, was fined ₹35 lakh. The authority found the promoters prima facie guilty of failing to comply with Section 4(2)(l)(D) of the RERA Act, which requires that 70% of funds from allottees be kept in a separate bank account for construction and land costs. The orders were issued on April 17 following a hearing on March 23. The investigation also involves allegations of land use violations under Section 118 of the HP Tenancy and Land Reforms Act, 1972, which restricts land sales to non-agriculturists. HP RERA has directed the promoters to deposit the penalty into the HP RERA fund within 30 days and submit Chartered Accountant-certified records of total funds collected and their utilization. Further penalties may be forthcoming as reports from the Revenue Department are still pending, with a physical hearing scheduled for June 5.