Maharashtra May Soon Establish Independent Authority for Redevelopment Projects
The Maharashtra state housing department is set to establish an independent authority, similar to MahaRERA, to oversee redevelopment projects. This move aims to bring transparency and accountability to the sector, addressing the legal vacuum left by the Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act 2016.
MaharashtraRedevelopmentMahareraHousing SocietiesLegal FrameworkReal Estate PuneSep 21, 2025
The demand for such an authority has been growing steadily, especially as the state witnesses a surge in redevelopment and self-redevelopment initiatives. Mirgane said the proposed authority is designed to bring a structured, transparent, and accountable framework for redevelopment projects in the state.
Once formed, the authority will spread awareness about government rules and policies, lay down procedures and regulations, while establishing clarity on the appointment of project management consultants and developers. It will help standardize development agreements and related drafts, monitor approvals from multiple authorities, resolve disputes between developers and societies, and supervise the process until possession.
Additionally, the new authority will facilitate financial and loan procedures for redevelopment and function as a quasi-judicial body to curb fraudulent practices. Founder-chairman of the Maharashtra Society Welfare Association, Ramesh Prabhu, has been one of the strongest advocates of the initiative. The Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act 2016 (RERA) covers ongoing and new projects, but does not address redevelopment, leaving a legal vacuum.
The Centre is responsible for amending the law, but change happens over years. Maharashtra should take the lead and set up its own authority on the lines of MahaRERA to address issues unique to redevelopment. Prabhu said housing societies face a wide range of challenges, mainly lack of transparency in sharing of information, tendering processes, and the appointment of consultants and developers. Frequent changes in developer entities increase uncertainty.
The absence of standardized procedures leads to poorly drafted or compromised development agreements, sparking disputes within societies. In several cases, dissenting members refuse to vacate spaces citing inadequate compensation, lack of transparency, or pending litigations. All of this stalls redevelopment projects indefinitely. Other impediments include disputes between landowners and developers, termination of earlier agreements, unsafe building declarations, fluctuating market conditions, and work stalled due to lack of funds.
The housing department must take note of the challenges. The creation of a dedicated authority is pertinent to instill accountability, speed, and confidence in the redevelopment process. Meanwhile, Maharashtra State Co-operative Housing Federation members have also supported the proposal. Federation director Shreeprasad Parab said that with over 6,000 redevelopment-related litigations pending before the Bombay High Court and thousands more in lower courts, the existing administrative and legal set-up is woefully inadequate to protect the interests of lakhs of co-operative housing members across the state.
The state federation, along with those in districts, has presented a five-point institutional reform agenda to Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of establishing an independent authority for redevelopment projects in Maharashtra?
The purpose is to bring a structured, transparent, and accountable framework for redevelopment projects, addressing the legal vacuum left by the Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act 2016 (RERA).
Who are the key advocates of this initiative?
Ramesh Prabhu, the founder-chairman of the Maharashtra Society Welfare Association, has been one of the strongest advocates of the initiative.
What challenges do housing societies face in redevelopment projects?
Housing societies face challenges such as lack of transparency in sharing information, tendering processes, and the appointment of consultants and developers, frequent changes in developer entities, and poorly drafted or compromised development agreements.
How will the new authority help in resolving disputes?
The new authority will help in standardizing development agreements, monitoring approvals from multiple authorities, resolving disputes between developers and societies, and supervising the process until possession.
What is the current status of redevelopment-related litigations in Maharashtra?
Over 6,000 redevelopment-related litigations are pending before the Bombay High Court and thousands more are in lower courts, highlighting the need for a dedicated authority.
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