Supreme Court Ruling Revives 493 Stalled Real Estate Projects in MMR and Pune
In a major boost to Maharashtra’s real estate sector, the Supreme Court on August 5 disposed of the writ petition Vanashakti vs Union of India, originally initiated by CREDAI-MCHI, reaffirming that State Environment Impact Assessment Authority (SEIAA) and State Expert Appraisal Committee (SEAC) will remain the competent authorities for project-level environmental clearances.
According to CREDAI-MCHI, the ruling brings long-awaited clarity and relief to over 493 stalled projects in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR) and Pune, affecting more than 70,000 housing units, especially in the affordable and mid-income segments.
The verdict removes regulatory ambiguity that had impacted construction timelines, project approvals, and homebuyer sentiment, the apex real estate body said in a statement.
The Supreme Court also struck down key provisions of the 2014 and 2016 environmental notifications, specifically Clause 14(a) and Appendix 16, which had proposed the creation of an Environmental Cell under local authorities, leading to potential overlaps in jurisdiction.
In a significant move, the court rejected differential regulatory treatment for industrial sheds and educational buildings under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, and stressed the need for a uniform environmental clearance process.
Domnic Romell, President of CREDAI-MCHI, said, “This judgment is a direct result of our proactive legal intervention to protect the interests of our members and thousands of homebuyers. We initiated this petition to bring clarity to an increasingly complex environmental clearance process.”
Romell credited the victory to CREDAI’s united advocacy, senior counsels, and leadership across the organisation. This decision is expected to accelerate the completion of stalled projects, restore confidence among homebuyers, and revitalize the real estate market in the region.
The ruling is a significant milestone for the real estate sector, providing much-needed clarity and stability in the regulatory framework. It is expected to have a positive ripple effect on the economy, particularly in the construction and allied industries, which have been facing challenges due to regulatory uncertainties.
CREDAI-MCHI, the leading real estate association in the region, has been at the forefront of advocating for the interests of developers and homebuyers. The organization’s efforts in this legal battle have been applauded by industry experts and stakeholders alike, highlighting the importance of proactive and unified advocacy in addressing regulatory issues.
The resolution of this long-standing issue is a testament to the power of collective action and the commitment of the real estate community to ensure a fair and transparent regulatory environment. As the sector moves forward, it is hoped that the momentum gained from this ruling will translate into tangible benefits for all stakeholders involved.
