Crackdown Begins in Bilaspur on Misuse of “Architect” Title, IIA Issues Warning…
Strict action to be taken against those without COA registration, Supreme Court order cited…
Bilaspur, 07 August 2025. The Indian Institute of Architects (IIA), Bilaspur Centre, has raised serious concerns over the misuse of the “Architect” title in the city. Addressing a press conference at the Bilaspur Press Club on Thursday, IIA Bilaspur Chairperson Architect Neena Aseem made it clear that such illegal practices will no longer be tolerated.
She emphasized that under the Architects Act, 1972, only individuals or firms registered with the Council of Architecture (COA) are legally permitted to use the title “Architect” in India. Using the title without proper registration is a punishable offence under the law, with clear provisions for fines and imprisonment.
State President Saurabh Rahtgaonkar, National Representative Raj Prajapati, Former President Debashish Ghatak, along with architects Shyam Shukla and Nirmal Agrawal, jointly stated that several building consultants, design firms, and individuals in the city are misusing the title “Architect” on their letterheads, signboards, social media, and advertisements despite not being registered with the COA. This, they noted, is not only illegal but also misleading for consumers.
Issuing a stern warning, the officials said, “What has happened so far is in the past, but such activities will no longer be tolerated. Anyone or any firm not registered with COA must immediately stop using the title ‘Architect’, or face strict legal consequences.”
The IIA also clarified that according to the Supreme Court’s 2017 ruling, architects registered with COA do not require any separate license or local registration from any state or municipal body to practice. Simply including the COA registration number on plans is sufficient.
The Bilaspur Centre of IIA has decided that none of its members will seek additional registration from the municipal corporation or any other local authority. A representation has already been submitted to the municipal administration, and a delegation will soon meet officials to reiterate this stance.
The IIA has also appealed to citizens to hire only authorized and COA-registered architects for building projects to ensure both quality and legal compliance.
