Homebuyers Frustrated as Only 31% of Recovery Warrants Against Builders Executed in Maharashtra
Homebuyers in Maharashtra are growing increasingly frustrated as only 31% of recovery warrants issued against errant builders have been executed. Despite a state directive to expedite the process, officials report that only Rs243 crore has been recovered out of Rs760 crore due in 1,212 cases.
Recovery WarrantsHomebuyersMahareraMaharashtraReal EstateReal Estate PuneOct 15, 2025
Despite a state government directive to expedite the process, officials on Tuesday said that only Rs243 crore had been recovered out of Rs760 crore due in 1,212 cases. The dismal progress stands in sharp contrast to revenue minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule's assurance during the state budget session that the backlog would be cleared within three months. Recovery warrants, issued under section 40(1) of the Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act (RERA), empower district administrations to attach and auction properties of developers who have failed to complete projects or refund buyers.
However, ground execution remains painfully slow. For homebuyers, this means years of waiting without resolution. 'Recovery through warrants is meant to bring relief, but delays only add to our stress,' said a Pune-based buyer who has been awaiting a refund for more than three years. He pointed out that while revenue officials initiated proceedings, the process stalled midway. Another complainant said that auctions often drag on, leaving families stuck without refund.
Officials admitted that procedural hurdles continue to hamper progress even as buyers press for stronger enforcement. Once MahaRERA issues a recovery order, it is transferred to the district collector for execution. The districts of Mumbai Suburban, Pune, and Thane account for the highest backlog of cases, they said. 'Though there was some improvement in execution rates, the scale of pendency remains significant. It requires far more proactive coordination from revenue officials,' a senior MahaRERA official told TOI. He further said that additional collectors were appointed in multiple districts to fast-track cases, but the results were not promising. The issue has even caught the attention of the Centre.
According to officials, Prime Minister Narendra Modi at a review meeting in May expressed dissatisfaction over states' reliance on counting 'disposed of' complaints while actual redressal for people lagged. He questioned whether states were genuinely ensuring accountability in the execution of such orders. Following this, the Maharashtra chief secretary held a meeting in mid-June with district collectors, directing them to accelerate the execution of recovery warrants. Additional revenue officers were also appointed to assist enforcement teams.
But for buyers, progress is invisible. Arun Seth, a retired entrepreneur, said he had been waiting since 2019 for his dues to be cleared despite repeated follow-ups. 'About Rs78 lakh was stuck,' he said. The continued delays have left many homebuyers feeling helpless and frustrated, with no clear end in sight to their financial and emotional turmoil.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a recovery warrant in the context of real estate?
A recovery warrant in the context of real estate is a legal document issued under the Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act (RERA) that empowers district administrations to attach and auction properties of developers who have failed to complete projects or refund buyers.
What percentage of recovery warrants have been executed in Maharashtra?
Only 31% of recovery warrants issued against builders in Maharashtra have been executed so far.
How much money has been recovered out of the total amount due?
Only Rs243 crore has been recovered out of Rs760 crore due in 1,212 cases.
Which districts in Maharashtra have the highest backlog of recovery warrant cases?
The districts of Mumbai Suburban, Pune, and Thane account for the highest backlog of recovery warrant cases.
What measures have been taken to expedite the execution of recovery warrants?
Measures such as appointing additional collectors in multiple districts and holding meetings with district collectors to accelerate the execution of recovery warrants have been taken. However, the results have not been promising so far.
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