Despite the efforts of the state and central government to address the high demand in the housing sector through housing schemes, informal, illegal, and unauthorised colonies can be found in almost every Indian city. These colonies represent a localized approach to urban planning.  It is crucial to determine the disparity between planning and the anticipated result for metropolitan cities in order to develop practical recommendations that are specific to the city in issue.

Jaipur, like many other cities, has numerous illegal settlements that house a significant population in violation of the law.  This study critically examines the policies related to housing standards, their approval, and regularization.  This entails examining regulatory measures and modifications in existing government acts. The public’s reaction to these statutory provisions is assessed by analysing financial records, planning documents, expert interviews, and media articles.  It mainly concentrates on laws related to the legalization of informal housing, which is partially legal. 

Among the different classifications of informal housing, research indicates that a significant proportion of legalized settlements consist of cooperative society housing.  The government has continuously eased regulations regarding unlawful growth, despite efforts made by policies, acts, and their amendments to restrict it. This study indicates that this relaxation has had a direct and indirect impact on city-level planning. 

Keywords: Housing demand, Informal settlements, unauthorized colonies, Regularization