MahaRERA Conciliation Forum: Legality and Effectiveness in Resolving Real Estate Disputes

Mumbai Grahak Panchayat supports the legality of MahaRERA's conciliation forum, citing its origin in Sec. 32 (g) of RERA, 2016. The forum aims to resolve disputes between promoters and allottees through amicable conciliation.

MahareraConciliation ForumReal Estate DisputesReraConsumer ProtectionReal Estate MumbaiSep 19, 2024

MahaRERA Conciliation Forum: Legality and Effectiveness in Resolving Real Estate Disputes
Real Estate Mumbai:The Maharashtra Real Estate Regulatory Authority (MahaRERA) has been at the center of a controversy surrounding the legality of its conciliation forum. The forum, set up to resolve disputes between promoters and allottees, has been questioned by a nationwide homebuyers' association, the Forum for Peoples' Collective Efforts (FPCE). However, the Mumbai Grahak Panchayat (MGP) has come out in support of the forum's legality.

According to Shirish V Deshpande, chairman of MGP, the conciliation forum originates from Sec. 32 (g) of RERA, 2016, which mandates state RERA authorities to recommend measures to facilitate amicable conciliation of disputes between promoters and allottees. Deshpande stated that the forum was set up after due deliberations with promoters' associations and was notified on January 29, 2018.

The FPCE, in a letter to the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, argued that MahaRERA lacks the legal authority to create such a forum, citing Section 32 of RERA, which merely gives power of recommendations to the authorities. However, Deshpande countered that the forum is functioning within the framework of RERA and has necessary legal sanctity.

The conciliation bench comprises two conciliators, one from MGP and another from either the National Real Estate Development Council, Confederation of Real Estate Developers Associations of India, or Maharashtra Chamber of Housing Industry. MGP emphasized that conciliation or mediation are legally recognized modes of alternative dispute resolution, with advantages including saving time and money.

The forum's effectiveness is also backed by penal provisions under RERA for non-compliance. Sec. 63 provides a penalty for every day of non-compliance, which may cumulatively extend up to 5% of the total project cost.

In conclusion, the MahaRERA conciliation forum has the backing of MGP, which cites its origin in RERA, 2016. While controversy surrounds its legality, the forum aims to provide a platform for resolving disputes between promoters and allottees through amicable conciliation.

About Mumbai Grahak Panchayat
Mumbai Grahak Panchayat is a consumer organization that works towards protecting the rights of consumers in India. The organization has been actively involved in promoting consumer welfare and has worked closely with regulatory bodies to ensure that consumer interests are protected.

About MahaRERA
The Maharashtra Real Estate Regulatory Authority is a regulatory body established under the Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act, 2016. The authority is responsible for regulating the real estate sector in Maharashtra and ensuring that developers comply with the provisions of the Act.

About FPCE
The Forum for Peoples' Collective Efforts is a nationwide homebuyers' association that works towards protecting the rights of homebuyers in India. The organization has been actively involved in promoting the interests of homebuyers and has worked closely with regulatory bodies to ensure that their rights are protected.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the purpose of the MahaRERA conciliation forum?

The purpose of the MahaRERA conciliation forum is to resolve disputes between promoters and allottees through amicable conciliation.

What is the legal basis for the MahaRERA conciliation forum?

The MahaRERA conciliation forum originates from Sec. 32 (g) of RERA, 2016, which mandates state RERA authorities to recommend measures to facilitate amicable conciliation of disputes between promoters and allottees.

Who are the members of the conciliation bench?

The conciliation bench comprises two conciliators, one from MGP and another from either the National Real Estate Development Council, Confederation of Real Estate Developers Associations of India, or Maharashtra Chamber of Housing Industry.

What are the advantages of resolving disputes through conciliation?

The advantages of resolving disputes through conciliation include saving time and money, as well as avoiding the need for litigation.

What are the penal provisions for non-compliance with RERA?

Sec. 63 of RERA provides a penalty for every day of non-compliance, which may cumulatively extend up to 5% of the total project cost.

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