MahaRERA’s Conciliation Forum redresses 1,749 complaints in Mumbai, Pune, Thane, Nashik And Nagpur

Mumbai, 21st October 2024: Established with the objective of providing resolution to homebuyers at the earliest, the Maharashtra Real Estate Regulatory Authority’s (MahaRERA’s) Conciliation Forums have successfully redressed 1,749 grievances from homebuyers across the state.

As the decisions taken by the forums are upheld by MahaRERA, the popularity of the platform is on the rise. Currently, hearings on 533 grievances are underway at the 52 Conciliation Forums across Maharashtra.

MahaRERA Chairman Manoj Saunik said, “MahaRERA takes every effort to proactively resolve various types of complaints received from homebuyers. During the first hearing of the case, to explore the possibility of the grievance getting amicably and mutually resolved between the homebuyer and developer, the former is provided with the alternative to opt for a resolution through the Conciliation Forum. This option is adopted only if both the parties are willing to proceed.

If the complainant agrees, their grievance can be resolved within 60 days or, in exceptional circumstances, within 90 days. In case of a deadlock for whichever reason, the complainant always has the option to reapproach MahaRERA. The rights and merits of the cases remain intact. Given the flexibility and that the Conciliation Forum provides, there is an increase in its popularity.”

Of the total 5,958 cases so far, 1,749 have been redressed by the Conciliation Forums through amicable settlement between the complainant or homebuyers’ and the developers. Therefore, 32.36% of property purchasers benefited in receiving justice in a time bound manner.

Given the benefits of this platform, several other States such as Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Telangana have also established Conciliation Forums. Additionally, many other States are in conversation with MahaRERA to understand this initiative.

Initially, the MahaRERA Conciliation Forums operated only in Mumbai and Pune regions. Seeing the rise in its popularity, the presence is being ramped up. Now, MahaRERA has initiated measures to expand their reach. They will also be operational in Nashik, Nagpur, Thane, Kalyan, Navi Mumbai, Palghar, Raigad, Vasai and Mira Road.

So far, the Conciliation Forum in Mumbai has successfully resolved 562 complaints, while the one in Pune has redressed 530 grievances. Likewise, the forum in Thane has successfully resolved 201 complaints, 169 in Navi Mumbai, 105 in Palghar, 73 in Kalyan, 71 in Vasai, 13 in Nagpur, 9 in Mira Road and 8 each in Raigad and Nashik.

Regular hearings are conducted by MahaRERA on receiving complaints from homebuyers. At the first hearing, complainants are given the option of getting their issues resolved through the Conciliation Forum, while ensuring that all their rights are kept intact. It is only after the complainants’ consent, it is forwarded to the forum.

No MahaRERA officials participate in these Conciliation Forums. It has representatives from consumer bodies, various self-regulatory organisations of developers (currently, there are six self-regulatory organisations of developers, of which three are involved in this initiative, while attempts are underway to get the others on board) and the complainants themselves. Representatives from consumer bodies and self-regulatory organisations are experienced experts in the respective fields. If the homebuyer wishes, they can also seek assistance from lawyers. These hearings are conducted in an audio-visual mode. Moreover, MahaRERA has constituted a Core Committee to oversee the operations of these Conciliation Forums. Regularly, workshops are conducted with the help of legal experts, to provide guidance to the members.

The MahaRERA Conciliation Forum is required to take decisions in a time bound manner of within 60 days, and within 90 days in exceptional circumstances.

The issue gets resolved only when the complainant and the respondent agree to the terms and conditions of the settlement. The Conciliation Success Report, which is agreed upon by all the parties, is then submitted to MahaRERA for a hearing and orders are accordingly issued on the same. In case, if the settlement terms remain unfulfilled, the complainant can seek recourse from MahaRERA, as the grievance cannot be dismissed without the complainant’s consent. The right to complaint remains unaffected and MahaRERA takes the matter for hearing based on its original merit of the case.

Due to this homebuyer-centric approach, the Conciliation Forums are receiving an increasing response from the complainants, particularly the flat purchasers.