Court-Driven Reform
Following directions from the Bombay High Court (July & Sept 2025), the Maharashtra Real Estate Regulatory Authority (MahaRERA) has now formalised a hybrid system for hearings. This means homebuyers, developers, and legal representatives can now attend case proceedings either physically or virtually, making the dispute redressal process more accessible.
Why This Matters to Homebuyers
Filing complaints with MahaRERA has always been possible online, but hearings required physical presence. For many homebuyers—especially those living outside Mumbai or Maharashtra—this was a hurdle. With the hybrid system:
- You can attend hearings virtually, saving travel time and costs.
- Urgent matters (like execution of orders or non-compliance cases) can also be mentioned and heard online.
- All orders will now come with a time stamp and date, ensuring greater transparency.
Key Features of the New Hybrid SOP
| Process | Old System | New Hybrid System |
|---|---|---|
| Filing complaints & replies | Online only | Online continues |
| Cause list & orders | Daily list on website | Same, but orders now time-stamped |
| Hearings | Physical only | Choice: Physical or Virtual |
| Urgent applications (praecipes) | Physical mention | Physical or Virtual |
| Order records | Uploaded online | Uploaded with timestamp & date |
What the Circular Covers
- Complaints & non-compliance applications – Hearings can now be attended physically or virtually.
- Urgent listing, circulation, production requests – Allowed in hybrid mode.
- Mentioning of matters – Possible at the start/end of every session, both online and offline.
- Roznama (hearing record) – All decisions will be uploaded in the portal for parties to access.
- Uniform application – This circular supersedes all previous orders about hearing formats.
The Bigger Picture
For homebuyers, this is a consumer-friendly move that:
- Increases access to justice.
- Reduces dependency on travelling to MahaRERA benches.
- Ensures speedier redressal with tech-enabled hearings.
For developers and agents, this offers flexibility while ensuring compliance with MahaRERA procedures.
Also read: MahaRERA Orders Full Refund with Interest to Homebuyer for Possession Delay