An occupancy certificate also known as an OC is issued by a development authority or municipal corporation to a newly constructed building. This is issued after inspecting the building with regards to adherence to the approved plans. It is essentially a kind of 'fitness certificate' and allows the residents to move in and stay. Without an OC, a building may be considered illegal and impact the availability of official utility connections like gas, water, power etc.
If there is any installment remaining to be paid to a builder, make sure that such a final instalment is paid only on receipt of an OC. Ask your developer a copy of the OC and cross check it with the relevant authority to be doubly sure, especially in case of smaller builders in the unorganised sectors. The authorities who can give OCs are municipal corporations and development bodies like DDA, Mhada, CIDCO, etc.