MahaRERA Adopts Hybrid Model: Homebuyers and Developers Can Choose Physical or Virtual Hearings
The Maharashtra Real Estate Regulatory Authority (MahaRERA) has announced that, in line with the Bombay High Court's directives, it will allow physical hearings of complaints and non-compliance applications, in addition to the existing online system.
MahareraReal EstateHybrid HearingsBombay High CourtHomebuyersReal Estate MaharashtraAug 20, 2025
In July 2025, the Bombay High Court directed MahaRERA to implement a hybrid mechanism to ensure litigants have the option of a physical hearing. In response to this order, MahaRERA issued a circular on August 11, outlining the standard operating procedure for hybrid hearings. The circular states that societies, homebuyers, and developers can continue filing complaints and applications online while having the option to opt for physical or virtual hearings.
According to the circular, complainants who wish to opt for physical hearings must submit a written request through their respective login. The daily cause list will now specify the seating arrangements of each bench, and all orders will be uploaded with timestamps. This ensures transparency and efficiency in the hearing process.
The Bombay High Court's order to resume physical hearings came in response to a petition filed by Mumbai resident Mayur Desai. According to a Bar and Bench report, Desai had challenged the continued absence of physical hearings and sought structured guidelines to streamline the execution of orders passed by the Authority. The Court noted that before the COVID-19 pandemic, MahaRERA conducted hearings physically. While the shift to virtual hearings during the pandemic was understandable, the report stated that the insistence on virtual-only hearings post-pandemic was procedurally restrictive and systemically opaque.
Following the court’s directions, MahaRERA has laid down the procedure for physical hearings. A senior MahaRERA official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said: “Even before the Bombay HC order, we were allowing physical hearings upon request. However, most parties preferred virtual hearings as they found them more convenient.”
This move is expected to bring relief to stakeholders in Mumbai’s real estate sector, where thousands of disputes remain pending before the Authority. As of June 2025, MahaRERA has handled 29,374 complaints against 5,508 real estate projects in Maharashtra. Of these, 3,473 projects were ongoing before MahaRERA’s launch in May 2017, while 2,035 were registered after the regulatory framework came into effect.
The hybrid model ensures that homebuyers and developers have the flexibility to choose the most convenient option for their hearings. This is particularly beneficial for those who may not have access to reliable internet connections or prefer in-person interactions to address their concerns. The move is a step towards enhancing transparency and accessibility in the real estate regulatory framework in Maharashtra.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the new update from MahaRERA?
MahaRERA has adopted a hybrid model, allowing homebuyers and developers to opt for physical or virtual hearings for complaints and non-compliance applications.
Why did MahaRERA make this change?
The change was made in response to a Bombay High Court directive to ensure litigants have the option of physical hearings, enhancing transparency and accessibility.
How can homebuyers opt for a physical hearing?
Homebuyers can opt for a physical hearing by submitting a written request through their respective login on the MahaRERA portal.
What is the impact of this change on pending disputes?
This change is expected to bring relief to stakeholders in Mumbai’s real estate sector, where thousands of disputes remain pending before the Authority.
How many complaints has MahaRERA handled so far?
As of June 2025, MahaRERA has handled 29,374 complaints against 5,508 real estate projects in Maharashtra.
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