Mumbai, Oct. 21: The Maharashtra Real Estate Regulatory Authority (MahaRERA) has successfully resolved 1,749 grievances from homebuyers through its Conciliation Forums, designed to provide timely resolutions. With 533 ongoing hearings across 52 operational forums in cities like Mumbai, Pune, Thane, Nashik, and Nagpur, the initiative is gaining traction among property purchasers.
Of the 5,958 total cases, 1,749 have been settled amicably, benefiting 32.36% of homebuyers in a time-bound manner. The success of the Conciliation Forums has led to their establishment in several other states, including Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Telangana, with additional states in discussions to learn from MahaRERA’s initiative.
Initially limited to Mumbai and Pune, the reach of these forums is expanding to include Kalyan, Navi Mumbai, Palghar, Raigad, Vasai, Mira Road, and more. The Mumbai forum has resolved 562 complaints, while Pune has addressed 530. Other forums in Thane, Navi Mumbai, and Palghar have also contributed to the initiative’s success.
At the first hearing, complainants are presented with the option to resolve their issues through the Conciliation Forum, ensuring their rights remain protected. Participation in these forums involves representatives from consumer bodies and self-regulatory organizations, with experienced experts facilitating the discussions. Complainants can also seek legal assistance if desired.
The Conciliation Forums are required to reach decisions within 60 days, or 90 days in exceptional circumstances. Resolutions are only finalized when both the complainant and the respondent agree on the settlement terms. If the terms are not fulfilled, the complainant retains the right to seek further recourse from MahaRERA, which will then hear the case based on its original merits.
MahaRERA Chairman Manoj Saunik stated, “We take every effort to proactively resolve various types of complaints received from homebuyers. During the first hearing of the case, the complainant is provided with the alternative to opt for a resolution through the Conciliation Forum, which is adopted only if both parties agree. If the complainant consents, their grievance can be resolved within 60 days or, in exceptional circumstances, within 90 days. In case of a deadlock, the complainant always has the option to reapproach MahaRERA, ensuring that the rights and merits of the case remain intact. The flexibility provided by the Conciliation Forum has significantly increased its popularity among homebuyers.”
This homebuyer-centric approach continues to enhance the response rate for the Conciliation Forums, particularly among flat purchasers.
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