Maharashtra: Real Estate Developers Face Penalties for Misleading Ads

According to ASCI, the real estate sector emerged as the most violative, accounting for 34% of cases investigated.

Real EstateMisleading AdvertisementsAsciMahareraConsumer ProtectionReal Estate MaharashtraNov 26, 2024

Maharashtra: Real Estate Developers Face Penalties for Misleading Ads
Real Estate Maharashtra:The Advertising Standards Council of India (ASCI) has released its Half-Yearly Complaints Report 2024-25, revealing a significant presence of misleading and illegal advertisements in the real estate and offshore betting sectors. Between April and September 2024, ASCI reviewed 4016 complaints and investigated 3031 advertisements, of which 98% needed modification. ASCI’s continuous monitoring of digital platforms saw a total of 2830 ads being processed, representing 93% of the total ads taken up.

Of the ads investigated, 2087 were found to be in violation of the law. Of these, 1027 were reported to the Maharashtra Real Estate Regulatory Authority (MahaRERA) under a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between ASCI and MahaRERA. According to ASCI, the real estate sector emerged as the most violative, accounting for 34% of the cases investigated.

Manisha Kapoor, CEO of ASCI, remarked, 'Our work in partnership with government regulators in sectors such as betting and realty is creating an impact. While there is a long way to go, such partnerships are able to create an impetus for better oversight. With constant progress in reducing our turn-around time for complaint management, ASCI’s deep experience and tech-supported efforts are evolving to provide better protection to the consumers of India.'

ASCI has been particularly vigilant about the real estate sector, which has seen a surge in misleading advertisements. These ads often promise unrealistic benefits, such as guaranteed returns on investment, which can mislead potential buyers. The council’s efforts to monitor and regulate these advertisements are crucial for maintaining transparency and fairness in the market.

The Maharashtra Real Estate Regulatory Authority (MahaRERA) is a regulatory body established to protect the interests of homebuyers and promote transparency in the real estate sector. The MoU between ASCI and MahaRERA aims to enhance cooperation and coordination in enforcing regulations and ensuring compliance among developers.

Manisha Kapoor emphasized the importance of these partnerships, stating, 'By working together, we can create a more robust system that safeguards consumers from fraudulent practices. The synergies between our organizations enable us to address issues more effectively and promptly, ultimately leading to a more trustworthy and reliable market for all stakeholders.'

The report highlights the growing need for stringent regulations and continuous monitoring in the real estate sector. With the increasing prevalence of digital advertising, the challenge of identifying and addressing misleading ads has become more complex. However, the collaboration between ASCI and MahaRERA demonstrates a proactive approach to tackling these issues and ensuring consumer protection.

In conclusion, the efforts of ASCI and MahaRERA are crucial in maintaining the integrity of the real estate market in Maharashtra. Their continued vigilance and collaboration will play a pivotal role in creating a more transparent and trustworthy environment for both buyers and developers.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Advertising Standards Council of India (ASCI)?

ASCI is a self-regulatory organization in India that sets and enforces standards for advertising content to ensure it is truthful, legal, and ethical.

How many complaints did ASCI review in the first half of 2024-25?

ASCI reviewed 4016 complaints between April and September 2024.

What percentage of the complaints needed modification?

98% of the complaints needed some modification.

Which sector emerged as the most violative according to ASCI?

The real estate sector emerged as the most violative, accounting for 34% of the cases investigated.

What is the role of MahaRERA in this context?

MahaRERA, the Maharashtra Real Estate Regulatory Authority, is a regulatory body that works to protect the interests of homebuyers and promote transparency in the real estate sector. It collaborates with ASCI to enforce regulations and ensure compliance among developers.

Related News Articles

Indian Tier-1 Cities' Residential Real Estate Market: Delhi-NCR Leads the Way with 95% Surge
Real Estate Pune

Indian Tier-1 Cities' Residential Real Estate Market: Delhi-NCR Leads the Way with 95% Surge

Delhi-NCR has seen a remarkable 95% increase in new launches, while Hyderabad and Pune have experienced significant declines in the residential real estate market.

June 20, 2024
Read Article
Water Cuts in Pune and Pimpri Chinchwad: Maintenance Work to Affect Supply
Real Estate Pune

Water Cuts in Pune and Pimpri Chinchwad: Maintenance Work to Affect Supply

Residents in Pune and Pimpri Chinchwad will experience water cuts on Thursday due to essential maintenance work by the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) and Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC). Both cities will face disruptions in water supply, w

October 16, 2024
Read Article
Mumbai Property Market Sees Festive Surge
Real Estate Mumbai

Mumbai Property Market Sees Festive Surge

Mumbai city, under the jurisdiction of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), is expected to see a significant boost in property registrations this festive season. With an anticipated 12,929 property registrations in October 2024, the real estate m

November 2, 2024
Read Article
Pune Municipal Corporation Takes Strict Action Against Construction Sites for Air Pollution
Real Estate Pune

Pune Municipal Corporation Takes Strict Action Against Construction Sites for Air Pollution

The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has intensified its efforts to combat air pollution by cracking down on construction sites that violate environmental norms. The recent inspections have resulted in several violations, particularly in areas around the

December 14, 2024
Read Article
India's Luxury Housing Market Surges in 2024: CBRE Report Shows 53% Y-o-Y Growth
Real Estate Mumbai

India's Luxury Housing Market Surges in 2024: CBRE Report Shows 53% Y-o-Y Growth

Luxury housing sales in major Indian cities, including Mumbai, Pune, Bangalore, Kolkata, Hyderabad, and Chennai, have witnessed a significant 53% year-over-year growth in 2024, according to a report by CBRE, a leading real estate consulting firm. The risi

January 15, 2025
Read Article
The Cost of Luxury Apartments in Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Delhi-NCR
real estate news

The Cost of Luxury Apartments in Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Delhi-NCR

Mumbai's suburbs are rapidly becoming a hotspot for luxury housing. Real estate consultants in the Mumbai market share insights on the cost and demand for these premium properties in India's major cities.

January 18, 2025
Read Article