The Narendra Modi government plans to introduce an anti-discriminatory clause in the real estate Act to stop the harassment faced by buyers in the hand of builders on the basis of their religion, marital status or dietary preferences, reported The Indian Express. “Since the Constitution itself provides for non-discrimination, we will insert such a clause in the rules. However, it will desist from specifying the exact nature of discrimination as we don’t want to risk excluding any kind of discrimination by way of omission,” the report said, quoting an official from the Ministry of Housing and Urban Poverty Alleviation.

In March, the Rajya Sabha passed the Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act, 2016, which gives powers to a regulatory body to oversee all transactions between buyers and sellers, and take steps against those caught violating the guidelines. According to new rule, which will be notifies by October 31, anyone found flouting the norms will be subjected to a jail term of up to three years and/or fine.

“There have been several reported instances of access to housing being denied based on prejudices arising out of a person’s religion, caste, etc. Ideally, such an anti-discrimination provision should have been part of the Act for it to be more effective but I am glad at least it is being included in the rules,” said Congress MP and former housing minister Kumari Selja.