The promoter had applied for deregistration on 26 August 2024, apparently seeking to exit the RERA regulatory framework for the 288-unit project originally registered on 29 July 2017. Chairperson Manoj Saunik, in an order dated 10 March 2026 (after hearing the matter on 21 November 2025), not only dismissed the application but also imposed a ₹20,000 cost on the promoter for non-compliance with earlier directions.

Why MahaRERA Said “No” – The Critical Loopholes Exposed

For any project to be deregistered, the promoter must satisfy the Authority that every single allottee’s claims have been fully addressed and settled with no prejudice to homebuyers. Guardian Landmarks LLP failed this test spectacularly because of glaring inconsistencies and missing disclosures:

1. Wildly Contradictory Booking Numbers
   • The project webpage (manually updated by the promoter) showed 83 units booked out of 288.
   • In the deregistration application, the promoter claimed only 80 units.
   • A declaration uploaded by the same promoter on 26 December 2022 (in response to an earlier show-cause notice) admitted 370 bookings had been received, of which 336 were cancelled and refunded, leaving 34 active bookings as on that date.
   These three different figures for the same project created complete confusion about how many homebuyers had actually invested and whether all of them had received their money back.
2. Zero Compliance on Mandatory Sold/Unsold Inventory Declarations MahaRERA requires promoters to upload quarterly details of sold and unsold flats. The promoter in this case had never filed even one such declaration since registration in 2017. This is not a minor technical lapse — it is the basic transparency tool that tells the Authority and buyers exactly who has booked what and whether any allottee remains unsettled.
3. Complaints Status Five complaints were filed against the project. Four have been disposed of with settlements. The promoter claimed the fifth (CC005000000137166) was also settled via a cancellation deed, but the overall lack of clear records made it impossible for MahaRERA to verify that no homebuyer was left in the lurch.

The Authority observed that “the particulars placed on record do not present a consistent or reliable account of the bookings… The Authority cannot proceed in ignorance of such material facts.”

What This Means for Homebuyers

This order is a textbook example of how RERA works as a shield. If deregistration had been granted on the basis of the messy, contradictory data submitted by the promoter, any unresolved allottees could have lost their statutory rights — no more quarterly updates, no easy complaint filing, and potentially no refund or possession remedies under the Act.

Instead, MahaRERA has kept the project firmly under its watch. The promoter has now been directed to:

• Update all project details and upload complete sold/unsold declarations with supporting documents.
• Pay the ₹20,000 cost within 30 days.
• Only then can it file a fresh “restoration application” for reconsideration of deregistration.

Until then, Guardian Wind Shire Phase 1 remains a registered RERA project, and homebuyers continue to enjoy full statutory protection.

The order once again underscores MahaRERA’s firm stance: promoters cannot cherry-pick when to follow rules or exit the system without complete transparency. For homebuyers in stalled or delayed projects across Maharashtra, this is a clear message — discrepancies in records will be caught, and attempts to slip out of RERA oversight will not succeed.

Also Read: MahaRERA Orders Refund Paid for Seven Flats in Godrej RKS Project

The post MahaRERA Rejects Builder’s Deregistration Bid Over Massive Booking Discrepancies appeared first on Square Feat India.

Among the most notable achievements of the year were the disposal of a record 6,945 complaints, the scheduling or hearing of all complaints registered up to November 2025, issuance of 4,282 project registration numbers, integration of all 481 planning authorities with MahaRERA’s verification system, and a dramatic improvement in compliance related to quarterly and annual project updates.

All Complaints Registered up to November 2025 Taken Up for Hearing

There has long been a perception among homebuyers that complaints filed with MahaRERA remained pending for extended periods, sometimes running into years. Recognising that timely redressal is central to protecting the legitimate interests of homebuyers, MahaRERA undertook a comprehensive overhaul of its complaint-handling mechanism.

Under the leadership of Mr. Manoj Saunik, Chairman, MahaRERA, along with Mr. Mahesh Pathak, Member-1, and Mr. Ravindra Deshpande, Member-2, a structured process was implemented to significantly accelerate hearings. As a result, cases that had remained unresolved for several years were successfully taken up and disposed of.

During the calendar year 2025, a total of 5,039 new complaints were filed, while orders were passed in 6,945 complaints, exceeding the number of fresh filings and providing substantial relief to aggrieved homebuyers. In comparison, 3,824 cases were resolved in 2024 and 2,784 cases in 2023. The number of complaints filed stood at 3,880 in 2024 and 4,000 in 2023.

Although 6,916 complaints remain pending, MahaRERA confirmed that all complaints registered up to November 2025 have either been heard or have had their hearing dates scheduled. For the first time since its inception, MahaRERA has achieved a system wherein complaints are acknowledged and scheduled for hearing within one to two months of filing.

Clear Criteria Introduced for Out-of-Seniority Hearings

From 2025 onwards, MahaRERA has mandated that complaints be heard strictly in the order of seniority. However, in compliance with directions from the Honourable Bombay High Court, the authority has also laid down specific criteria under which hearings may be conducted out of turn.

Such exceptions apply in cases where the complainant is suffering from a life-threatening illness, where a review or rectification application has been filed against a MahaRERA order, where specific directions have been issued by a higher judicial authority, or where both parties have reached a mutual settlement. In cases citing medical grounds, submission of valid medical certificates has been made mandatory.

4,282 Housing Projects Granted MahaRERA Registration in 2025

Maharashtra continues to lead the country in the number of registered housing projects, and MahaRERA has maintained strict scrutiny while granting registrations, extensions, and amendments. Every project proposal undergoes detailed technical, financial, and legal evaluation, with multiple departments working to ensure timely approvals for compliant projects.

As a result of these efforts, 4,282 housing projects were granted MahaRERA registration numbers in 2025.

City-wise data shows Pune leading with 1,144 projects, followed by Mumbai City (103) and Mumbai Suburban (587), which together account for 690 projects. Thane stood third with 675 projects, followed by Raigad (384), Nashik (283), Nagpur (281), and Palghar (258).

Region-wise, the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR) topped the list with 2,119 projects, followed by the Pune Region (1,361), Vidarbha (346), Khandesh (319), and Marathwada (137 projects), including 91 projects from Sambhaji Nagar.

All 481 Planning Authorities Integrated for CC Verification

The state has 481 planning authorities responsible for issuing construction permissions. Until recently, verification of Commencement Certificates (CCs) was possible online only for projects falling under the Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai, while CCs from other authorities had to be emailed manually, leading to delays in project registrations.

In 2025, MahaRERA successfully integrated all 481 planning authorities with its system. Approved plans and CCs are now available online, enabling seamless verification, faster processing of registrations, and reduction in potential irregularities.

SOP Introduced for Recovery of Compensation Awarded to Homebuyers

To ensure effective enforcement of its compensation orders, MahaRERA introduced a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for recovery. If developers fail to comply with compensation orders, a hearing is conducted within four weeks.

Non-compliant developers are required to submit an affidavit disclosing all movable and immovable assets as well as bank account details. Based on this information, the respective District Collector’s office initiates recovery proceedings, including attachment and auction of assets or recovery from bank accounts. Developers who fail to submit the affidavit may be referred to the Principal Magistrate and face imprisonment of up to three months.

Registration Certificates Now Carry Comprehensive Project Information

Earlier, MahaRERA registration certificates contained limited details, such as the name and address of the project and promoter. In 2025, the scope of information was significantly expanded.

The certificate now includes the total project area, details of buildings and wings, number of floors, count of residential and non-residential units, Commencement Certificate particulars, permitted floors, and details of two-wheeler, four-wheeler, and visitor parking. Information on extensions and amendments is also provided, enabling homebuyers to access all essential project data directly from the certificate.

Mandatory Prominent Display of MahaRERA Details in Advertisements

MahaRERA has made it mandatory for all housing project advertisements to prominently display the MahaRERA registration number, official website address, and QR code. The font size for these disclosures must be the same as that used for the project’s contact number and address. Any violation attracts penal action against the developer.

Quarterly and Annual Project Update Compliance Rises to 80%

To empower homebuyers with real-time project information, MahaRERA has strictly enforced the submission of Quarterly Progress Reports (QPRs)—including Forms 1, 2, and 3—and Annual Progress Reports (Form 5).

As a result of sustained monitoring and enforcement, the compliance rate has surged to 80% in 2025, compared to a mere 0.02% when monitoring first began. These disclosures allow homebuyers to assess a project’s progress and financial status without physically visiting the site.

Also Read: MahaRERA Appellate Tribunal Rejects Developer’s Appeal Over Delay in Filing

The post MahaRERA’s Landmark Decisions in 2025 Strengthen Homebuyer Protection and Industry Accountability appeared first on Square Feat India.

A recent focus on enforcement under MahaRERA and the MahaRERA Appellate Tribunal has brought this lesser-known provision into the spotlight.

Here’s a simple breakdown of who faces what punishment under RERA—and when.

RERA Creates Two Authorities, Two Levels of Consequences

Under the RERA framework, disputes are decided at two levels:

1. The RERA Authority (MahaRERA)
2. The RERA Appellate Tribunal

The punishment differs depending on:

• Whether the defaulter is a developer (promoter) or a homebuyer (allottee)
• Whether the order violated is of the Authority or the Tribunal

When a Developer Disobeys a MahaRERA Authority Order

Applicable Law: Section 63, RERA Act

If a promoter fails to comply with an order passed by MahaRERA:

• Penalty for every day of default
• Maximum penalty up to 5% of the estimated cost of the project
• No imprisonment at this stage

At the Authority level, punishment is purely monetary, even for builders.

When a Homebuyer Disobeys a MahaRERA Authority Order

Applicable Law: Section 67, RERA Act

If an allottee fails to comply with an order of MahaRERA:

• Penalty for every day of default
• Capped at 5% of the cost of the plot or apartment
• No jail provision

At the Authority stage, homebuyers and developers are treated similarly—only fines apply.

When a Developer Disobeys a MahaRERA Appellate Tribunal Order

Applicable Law: Section 64, RERA Act

This is where the law becomes extremely strict.

If a promoter fails to comply with an order of the MahaRERA Appellate Tribunal:

• Daily penalty
• Maximum penalty up to 10% of the project cost
• Imprisonment up to 3 YEARS
• Or both fine and imprisonment

This reflects RERA’s intent to strongly deter non-compliant builders.

When a Homebuyer Disobeys a MahaRERA Appellate Tribunal Order

Applicable Law: Section 68, RERA Act

If an allottee fails to comply with a Tribunal order:

• Daily penalty
• Maximum penalty up to 10% of the cost of the flat or plot
• Imprisonment up to 1 YEAR
• Or both

This is the provision most homebuyers are unaware of.

RERA treats Tribunal orders as final and binding—and wilful disobedience can attract criminal consequences even for buyers.

Why Does RERA Allow Jail for Homebuyers at All?

Legal experts point out that:

• Tribunal orders are passed after full hearings
• The law must prevent abuse of process
• Compliance is essential to maintain credibility of the system

However, RERA still remains a consumer-centric law, evident from:

• Harsher punishment for developers (3 years vs 1 year)
• Jail being a last-resort measure, usually after repeated defiance

Important Practical Reality

While imprisonment is legally provided:

• Most enforcement actions begin with monetary recovery
• Authorities usually attempt:
  • Attachment of bank accounts
  • Recovery as arrears of land revenue
• Jail is invoked only in cases of deliberate and continuous non-compliance

What Homebuyers Should Take Away

• RERA is a powerful remedy—but orders must be obeyed
• Tribunal directions are not optional
• Filing cases casually or ignoring final orders can backfire

Bottom Line

RERA protects homebuyers—but it also demands accountability from them.
Disobeying a MahaRERA Tribunal order can carry real legal consequences, including jail.

Also Read: Can Developers Sell Parking to Homebuyers?

The post Do You Know Homebuyers Can Face Jail Too for Disobeying MahaRERA Tribunal Orders? appeared first on Square Feat India.

The regulatory green light comes after key legal battles were settled in the Bombay High Court, the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT), and the National Company Law Appellate Tribunal (NCLAT) — clearing the road for the project’s revival nearly eight years after its initial registration in 2017.

The order was passed by MahaRERA Chairperson Manoj Saunik in Suo Motu Case No. 219 of 2022, bringing long-awaited clarity for buyers who have been stuck in limbo.

Marvel Basilo: A Timeline of Delays and Litigation

• 2013: Developer Marvel Sigma Homes Pvt. Ltd. entered into a development agreement with landowners to build Marvel Basilo A & B in Pune.
• 2017: The project was registered with MahaRERA (P52100001711) with an original completion date of 31 December 2019.
• 2019: A settlement agreement terminated the original development agreement, returning possession of land to landowners and defining co-promoter roles.
• 2020–2021: MahaRERA granted extensions, including COVID-related ones, pushing the deadline to 30 December 2021.
• 2022–2023: With disputes ongoing, MahaRERA placed the project in abeyance on 26 June 2023, halting all sales, marketing, and new bookings.
• 2023–2025: NCLAT and Bombay High Court disposed of insolvency and civil suits through settlement and consent terms.

MahaRERA’s Order: Abeyance Lifted, Project Revived

After reviewing all settlements between the developer (Marvel Sigma Homes Pvt. Ltd.) and landowners (including Wadhwa Group Holdings Pvt. Ltd.), MahaRERA concluded that litigations have been resolved, the roles of parties are clearly defined, and the project can legally move forward.

Key directives of the order include:

• Immediate removal of the project from MahaRERA’s abeyance list.
• Promoters can now resume advertising, booking, marketing, and sales, strictly in compliance with RERA regulations.
• Promoters must update quarterly reports, including sold and unsold inventory, within 7–30 days.
• All relevant litigation orders and settlement documents must be uploaded to the MahaRERA portal for public reference.

Impact on Homebuyers and Market

The project comprises two residential towers (A & B), with 26 units already sold before the delays began. Under the 2019 settlement, the landowners became co-promoters, sharing responsibility for refunds, construction obligations, and sale proceeds.

For homebuyers, this order means:

• Stalled units can now move toward completion.
• Regulatory oversight ensures accountability during the restart phase.
• Greater transparency on legal and structural obligations between co-promoters.

Why This Order Matters

The Marvel Basilo case is emblematic of hundreds of stalled housing projects across Maharashtra, where litigation between developers, landowners, and financial institutions traps buyers for years.

MahaRERA’s intervention here shows how regulatory action post-legal settlement can unlock housing stock, ensure compliance, and restore buyer confidence.

This is also one of the first few cases where MahaRERA has revived a project after settlements across multiple legal forums — High Court, NCLT, and NCLAT — making it a potential template for similar cases in the future.

Also Read: MahaRERA fine Builders for printing ads without MahaRERA number

The post 📝 Stalled Since 2017, This Real Estate Project Gets MahaRERA Green Light After Legal Knot Unravelled appeared first on Square Feat India.

The common order, pronounced on October 10, 2025, by a Coram of SHRI S.S. SHINDE J., CHAIRPERSON, and SHRI S.M. DESHPANDE, MEMBER (A), set aside a prior order by the Maharashtra Real Estate Regulatory Authority (MahaRERA).

The Core Dispute: Promoter Status under RERA

The case involved the appellant, D. N. Nagar Shivneri CHS Ltd., a cooperative housing society for a low-income group. The dispute began after the society terminated its development agreement with the erstwhile developer, M/s Sai Siddhant Developers, due to their failure to fulfil obligations. The society subsequently undertook self-redevelopment.

Third-party allottees, who had purchased flats from the erstwhile developer in the free-sale component, filed complaints before MahaRERA.

MahaRERA’s Controversial Order

In its common order dated April 17, 2025, MahaRERA had partly allowed the complaints and passed several key directions against the society, holding it jointly and severally liable:

• Promoter Status: The Society was held to be a “promoter” under the RERA Act, jointly and severally liable for the acts and responsibilities of the erstwhile developer.
• Financial Liabilities: The Society was directed to pay interest for delayed possession from March 31, 2020, and in a few cases, grant a refund of paid amounts along with interest under Section 18 of the RERA Act.
• Project Completion: The Society was ordered to file an affidavit with a roadmap for project completion (either self-development or new developer appointment) within 30 days, failing which penalties under Sections 61 and 63 of the Act would apply.

The Society filed the captioned appeals (MA 377-406 of 2025) before the Tribunal, primarily challenging the finding that it was a “promoter”.

MahaREAT’s Final Verdict: Society is Exempt from Liability

In its final order, MahaREAT set aside the MahaRERA judgment and provided a strong framework for the non-liability of societies in such redevelopment scenarios.

The Tribunal held that the D. N. Nagar Shivneri CHS Ltd. does not fall within the definition of a “promoter” under Section 2(zk) of the RERA Act. The Tribunal’s key findings included:

• No Contractual Privity: The Society did not have any revenue or area sharing arrangement with the erstwhile developer, nor did it enter into agreements for sale with the allottees.
• Limited Role: The Society’s role was confined to that of a land owner (on a leasehold basis from MHADA) and undertaking redevelopment solely for its own members.
• Sole Responsibility: The erstwhile developer was held to be solely responsible for the third-party sales.

Consequently, the MahaREAT ruled that the Society is not liable for the claims of third-party purchasers who had agreements with the terminated developer. This decision effectively insulates societies pursuing self-redevelopment from being burdened by the financial obligations and liabilities arising from the original developer’s transactions. The Tribunal also held that the Society was exempt from the mandatory pre-deposit requirement under the proviso to Section 43(5) of the RERA Act, as it was not a ‘promoter’.

Also Read: Parking Issue: Shift The Wall Orders MahaRERA

The post MahaREAT Landmark Ruling: Housing Societies Not Automatically ‘Promoter’ for Erstwhile Developer’s Liabilities appeared first on Square Feat India.

Addressing the gathering, Sanjeev Jaiswal (IAS), Vice President & CEO of MHADA, stressed the critical need for robust public-private partnerships to redevelop dilapidated buildings across Mumbai. He highlighted recent regulatory changes aimed at expediting stalled projects, including amendments to Section 91A, which allows MHADA to take over such developments.

“Land scarcity remains a fundamental challenge for Mumbai. The amendment under Section 91A is both timely and necessary. Section 79A now offers fair compensation to landowners, resolving long-standing bottlenecks in cess building redevelopment. Redevelopment must be transparent, viable, and delivered on time. FSI clarity and honest communication are essential to protect tenant rights and ensure project success,” Jaiswal said.

The one-day event facilitated live consultations between developers and societies, offering support in legal, financial, and technical planning for redevelopment. Stakeholders across the spectrum—urban planners, legal experts, architects, and housing society members—engaged in sessions to demystify the redevelopment process.

Boman Irani, President of CREDAI National and CMD of Rustomjee Group, urged societies to prioritise a developer’s credibility over financial allure. “The highest offer is not always the best. Evaluate the developer’s track record and financial capacity. Once you’ve chosen your committee and consultants, trust their process,” he advised, while warning against over-cautious delays.

Domnic Romell, President of CREDAI-MCHI and Director at Romell Group, addressed concerns about financial security, stating, “In today’s RERA-compliant environment, demands for excessive bank guarantees are outdated. Project funds are tightly regulated through escrow accounts. Residents must be aware of their entitlements, like the 35% fungible FSI, and make practical decisions.”

Dhaval Ajmera, Secretary of CREDAI-MCHI and Director at Ajmera Realty & Infra, noted that EODR 2.0 was designed to empower societies. “With over 3,000 societies and 40+ developers participating, our goal is to streamline processes and rebuild trust. Societies now have the resources and guidance to convert aging buildings into secure, modern homes,” he said.

CREDAI-MCHI’s EODR 2.0 concluded with a shared commitment from developers and housing societies to move forward with transparent, efficient, and resident-focused redevelopment practices in Mumbai.

Also Read: CREDAI Pledges to Construct 4000 Green Projects by 2030

The post MHADA Chief Calls for Public-Private Partnership to Accelerate Mumbai’s Redevelopment at EODR 2.0 appeared first on Square Feat India.

Projects Seeking Deregistration

The projects listed for deregistration are spread across Pune, Thane, Ratnagiri, Aurangabad, Kolhapur, Osmanabad, and Ulhasnagar. The notice includes the names of the promoters, project titles, registration numbers, and project locations. The following are the details of the projects:

1. Avishkar Heights – A Wing – Phase (Promoter: Avishkar Developers) – Located at Jalgaon, Dapoli, Ratnagiri. (MahaRERA No: P52800002837)
2. Kanvas (Promoter: Anshul Bhosale Realty) – Located in Wagholi, Haveli, Pune. (MahaRERA No: P52100023770)
3. B Building (Promoter: Vinod Keshav Joshi) – Located in Malgund, Ratnagiri. (MahaRERA No: P52800014338)
4. Keshav Baug VSK City (Promoter: VSK Builders and Developers) – Located in Pathan, Aurangabad. (MahaRERA No: P51500021150)
5. Urban Life Phase II Building C (Promoter: Atharv Estates India Pvt. Ltd.) – Located in Kabnur, Hatkanangle, Kolhapur. (MahaRERA No: P53000002179)
6. Vijay Get (Promoter: North West Infra) – Located in Umarga, Osmanabad. (MahaRERA No: P52500024536)
7. Sai World Retreat (Promoter: Paradise Leisure Homes) – Located in Ulhasnagar, Thane. (MahaRERA No: P51700001566)
8. Infinite Residency (Promoter: Mistry Construction Co. Pvt. Ltd.) – Located in Thane. (MahaRERA No: P51700017401)

Impact on Homebuyers

Deregistration of a real estate project means that the developer is formally withdrawing the project from MahaRERA’s purview, which could indicate financial or legal hurdles. For homebuyers, this can be a matter of concern, as deregistration may affect the status of their investments, possession timelines, and legal rights.

The notice urges affected buyers and other stakeholders to raise objections, if any, before the deadline. Buyers who have invested in these projects should immediately verify their status and submit concerns to MahaRERA via the official email address provided in the notice: dreicot-cromp@maharera.mahaonline.gov.in.

Way Forward for Homebuyers

• Verify the project’s current status by checking MahaRERA’s website for updates.
• Reach out to the developers to understand the reason behind the deregistration request.
• Consult legal experts if you have financial stakes in any of these projects.
• Submit objections within the 30-day period if there are concerns regarding deregistration.

With deregistration requests surfacing, this is a crucial moment for homebuyers to ensure their interests are protected. MahaRERA’s intervention will be key in determining the fate of these projects and the developers’ obligations towards their buyers.

Also Read: MahaRERA suspends registration of 388 developers for not providing quarterly updates

The post MahaRERA Issues Notice for Objections on Deregistration of Eight Real Estate Projects appeared first on Square Feat India.

This clarification came in response to multiple complaints filed by homebuyers of the LEO Group Housing Complex project (MahaRERA Registration No. P51800008538) against developer Sir George P. Joseph. The complainants sought relief due to the delayed possession and non-issuance of the OC. The project, which was initially scheduled for completion by June 2019, has remained incomplete, with the developer failing to obtain the required certificate.

Key Rulings by MahaRERA:

• Possession Without OC is Illegal: The regulatory body ruled that physical possession of a property does not equate to legal ownership in the absence of an OC, as it violates statutory requirements.
• Delayed Possession Penalty: MahaRERA has granted the complainants the right to claim interest for delayed possession from July 2019 onwards.
• Restrictions on the Developer: The project registration has been put on hold, preventing the developer from advertising, selling, or transferring any flats until further notice. Additionally, the project’s bank account has been frozen.
• Developer Fined: A penalty of ₹50,000 has been imposed on the promoter for non-compliance with RERA regulations.

Implications for Homebuyers

MahaRERA’s decision reinforces that developers must obtain the OC before handing over possession. Homebuyers living in properties without an OC could face legal and financial risks, including lack of access to municipal water, electricity connections, and legal ownership rights.

Buyers are advised to verify project completion certificates and OC status before taking possession to safeguard their rights under the Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act, 2016.

For affected residents and prospective buyers, MahaRERA has reiterated the importance of strict adherence to real estate laws, ensuring that homebuyers receive legally recognized possession of their homes.

Also Read: Builder cancels booking, MahaRERA orders refund

The post MahaRERA Clarifies: Possession Without an OC is Not Legally Recognized appeared first on Square Feat India.