The Maharashtra state government has ruled that all those involved in the construction of a building, including architect, license surveyor, structural engineer, site supervisor and engineer, construction company, contractor, sub-contractor and consultants appointed for various activities, will now be held liable for any structural flaws or defects that occur within 10 years after it is built. But the government seems to have conveniently allowed a major loophole in the rule. It has said the new provision in the city’s development control rules will apply to only projects with built-up area of 20,000 sq m and above—roughly a housing complex with one 40-storey tower with four flats on each floor. “This is a dead giveaway,” said industry sources.