MahaRERA's Conciliation Forums Resolve 1,749 Homebuyer Complaints Across Maharashtra
Mumbai, 21st October 2024: The Maharashtra Real Estate Regulatory Authority (MahaRERA) has successfully resolved 1,749 homebuyer grievances through its Conciliation Forums, providing a faster and more effective means of dispute resolution.
MahareraConciliation ForumsHomebuyer ComplaintsReal Estate Regulatory AuthorityMaharashtraReal Estate PuneOct 21, 2024
According to MahaRERA Chairman Manoj Saunik, the authority is committed to resolving various types of complaints received from homebuyers. During the first hearing, homebuyers are given the option to opt for a resolution through the Conciliation Forum, a process that can be completed within 60 days, or 90 days in exceptional circumstances. If both the homebuyer and the developer are willing to proceed, the forum provides a platform for amicable and mutually beneficial settlements.
Manoj Saunik emphasized, “If the complainant agrees, their grievance can be resolved within a short timeframe. In case of a deadlock, the complainant always has the option to reapproach MahaRERA, with all their rights and the merits of the case remaining intact. This flexibility and the supportive nature of the Conciliation Forum have increased its popularity.”
Of the total 5,958 cases so far, 1,749 have been redressed by the Conciliation Forums through mutual agreements between homebuyers and developers. This means that 32.36% of property purchasers have benefited from this time-bound and efficient resolution process.
The success of MahaRERA's Conciliation Forums has inspired other states to establish similar platforms. States such as Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Telangana have already set up Conciliation Forums, while many others are in discussions with MahaRERA to understand and adopt this initiative.
Initially, the Conciliation Forums were operational only in Mumbai and Pune. However, due to their growing popularity, MahaRERA has taken steps to expand their reach. The forums are now operational in other regions such as Nashik, Nagpur, Thane, Kalyan, Navi Mumbai, Palghar, Raigad, Vasai, and Mira Road.
To date, the Conciliation Forum in Mumbai has successfully resolved 562 complaints, while the one in Pune has addressed 530 grievances. The forum in Thane has resolved 201 complaints, 169 in Navi Mumbai, 105 in Palghar, 73 in Kalyan, 71 in Vasai, 13 in Nagpur, 9 in Mira Road, and 8 each in Raigad and Nashik.
Regular hearings are conducted by MahaRERA upon receiving complaints from homebuyers. During the first hearing, complainants are given the option to resolve their issues through the Conciliation Forum, with their rights fully protected. Only after the complainant's consent is the case forwarded to the forum.
The Conciliation Forums are independent of MahaRERA and are represented by consumer bodies, self-regulatory organizations of developers (six in total, with three currently involved), and the complainants themselves. These representatives are experienced experts in their respective fields. Homebuyers can also seek assistance from lawyers if they wish. Hearings are conducted in an audio-visual mode, and MahaRERA has established a Core Committee to oversee the operations of these forums. Workshops are regularly conducted with legal experts to guide the forum members.
The Conciliation Forums are mandated to reach decisions within 60 days, with a 90-day extension in exceptional circumstances. A settlement is only considered resolved when both the complainant and the respondent agree to the terms. The Conciliation Success Report, agreed upon by all parties, is submitted to MahaRERA for a final hearing and issuance of orders. If the settlement terms are not fulfilled, the complainant can seek further recourse from MahaRERA, ensuring that the right to complaint remains unaffected.
The homebuyer-centric approach of the Conciliation Forums is garnering increasing support, particularly from flat purchasers who appreciate the efficient and fair resolution process.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main objective of MahaRERA's Conciliation Forums?
The main objective of MahaRERA's Conciliation Forums is to provide a faster and more effective means of resolving homebuyer complaints by facilitating amicable and mutually beneficial settlements between homebuyers and developers.
How many homebuyer grievances have been redressed by MahaRERA's Conciliation Forums so far?
MahaRERA's Conciliation Forums have successfully redressed 1,749 homebuyer grievances so far.
What is the time frame for resolving complaints through the Conciliation Forums?
Complaints are typically resolved within 60 days, with an extension to 90 days in exceptional circumstances.
Which states have established Conciliation Forums similar to MahaRERA's?
Several states, including Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Telangana, have established Conciliation Forums similar to MahaRERA's.
What happens if the settlement terms are not fulfilled by the developer?
If the settlement terms are not fulfilled, the complainant can seek further recourse from MahaRERA, ensuring that the right to complaint remains unaffected and the matter is re-evaluated based on its original merits.
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