MahaRERA Orders Kolte-Patil to Compensate Homebuyers for Delayed Possession in Pune
Pune, 25th April 2026: The Maharashtra Real Estate Regulatory Authority (MahaRERA) has directed real estate developer Kolte-Patil Integrated Townships Limited to pay interest for delaying flat possessions in its prominent ‘Life Republic’ project in Pune.
The ruling, delivered by MahaRERA Chairperson Manoj Saunik, emphasizes that developers cannot use statutory delays or “force majeure” as an excuse to deny compensation to buyers once the promised possession date has passed.
Key Highlights of the Ruling: - The Project: Life Republic Sector R16- 16th Avenue- Arezo- M Building, Pune. - The Grievance: Buyers were promised possession by October 31, 2025, but flats were handed over months later. - The Verdict: Developer ordered to pay interest on the paid amount from November 1, 2025, to January 14, 2026.
The Core Dispute: The order consolidated complaints from two allottees, Shrikesh Dattatray Salunkhe and Sagar Saha, who had purchased flats in the M-Building of the Life Republic project. According to their registered agreements for sale, Kolte-Patil was contractually obligated to hand over physical possession of the flats on or before October 31, 2025.
The complainants alleged that the developer failed to honor the timeline, denied them site visits citing ongoing construction, and showed a lack of transparency regarding the possession schedule. They subsequently approached MahaRERA seeking compensation under Section 18 of the RERA Act.
Developer’s Defence: Representing Kolte-Patil, the defence argued that the actual construction of the building was completed by September 2025, well within the timeline. The developer claimed it had applied to the Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority (PMRDA) for an Occupancy Certificate (OC) on September 26, 2025, but the regulatory body delayed issuing the part OC until January 14, 2026.
The developer also cited force majeure (unforeseeable circumstances), pointing to governmental restrictions, supply chain disruptions, and labor shortages as contributing factors.
The Authority’s Stance: Rejecting the developer’s rationale, MahaRERA Chairperson Manoj Saunik noted that Section 18 of the RERA Act is “absolute and does not provide for any waiver, disclaimer, or exception for force majeure.”
The Authority ruled that a clear delay had occurred. It directed Kolte-Patil to pay interest to the complainants at the prescribed statutory rate for the period starting November 1, 2025, up until January 14, 2026—the exact date the developer finally received the part occupancy certificate up to the 22nd floor.
The accumulated interest will first be adjusted against any outstanding balance owed by the homebuyers. Any remaining compensation must be paid by the developer in a single installment within 60 days of the order. Furthermore, the Authority explicitly barred the developer from claiming any “moratorium period” benefits to offset the delay.
