In a significant order that strengthens the rights of homebuyers, the Maharashtra Real Estate Regulatory Authority (MahaRERA) has ruled in favor of three complainants against Blue Baron Realtors, the developer of the Zeal Regency project in Virar (West), Palghar. The order, dated February 28, 2025, directs the builder to refund amounts with interest to two homebuyers and to handover pending amenities to another.
The Dispute
All three complainants had booked flats in Zeal Regency, a project registered under MahaRERA with Registration No. P99000003182. The original completion date was December 31, 2015, later extended to March 31, 2024. However, the project still lacks an Occupation Certificate (OC).
Details of the Complaints and MahaRERA’s Verdict
| Complaint No. | Flat No. | Relief Sought | Authority’s Order |
|---|---|---|---|
| CC006000000193927 | C-304 | Refund + ₹54.63 lakh + 18% interest | Refund + Interest granted as per payment receipts |
| CC006000000197955 | C-401 | Possession + OC + amenities + interest | Possession already given; MahaRERA directs builder to provide amenities |
| CC006000000209422 | C-1406 | Refund ₹45.12 lakh + 10.75% interest + ₹12 lakh for mental agony | Refund + Interest ordered; mental agony compensation to be pursued separately |
Observations by MahaRERA
- In Complaints 193927 and 209422, the agreements were executed before RERA came into force, but the Authority ruled that homebuyers are still entitled to a refund and interest based on actual payment records.
- For Complaint 197955, while the flat possession was granted per consent terms, the developer failed to deliver promised amenities, violating the sale agreement. MahaRERA ordered the developer to comply.
- The Authority noted discrepancies between the claimed payments and actual receipts, and made decisions based on verified records.
- Complaints for mental agony and legal costs were not directly addressed; complainants may approach the Adjudicating Officer for such relief.
Impact and Significance
This ruling highlights MahaRERA’s commitment to upholding buyer rights, even in cases where agreements pre-date RERA’s enactment. It also emphasizes the developer’s accountability not just for possession, but for delivering complete and promised amenities.
With ongoing concerns about delayed possession and lack of transparency in the real estate sector, this case reinforces the power of regulatory redressal for homebuyers in Maharashtra.
Also Read: MahaRERA Dismisses Complaint Against Developer Over Redevelopment Dispute
