Maharashtra RERA introduces new guidelines to prioritise hearing of complaints, ET RealEstate
NAGPUR: The Maharashtra Real Estate Regulatory Authority (MahaRera) introduced new guidelines to prioritise hearing of complaints in exceptional circumstances departing from its usual practice of addressing cases strictly based on order of filing.
The move, formalised via a circular issued earlier this month and implemented with immediate effect, aims to provide expedited relief to complainants facing extraordinary situations.
The revised framework identifies seven specific grounds where hearings may be fast-tracked. These include cases where the complainant is suffering from a life-threatening illness, complaints seeking review or rectification of an existing MahaRera order, matters involving non-compliance with prior orders, and where higher courts have directed time-bound disposal or a fresh hearing of the case.
Complaints that have been mutually settled, cases where the complainant wishes to withdraw, disputes over the maintainability of a complaint, and multiple petitions concerning the same project — with the first petition’s seniority taking precedence — are also eligible for prioritised hearings.
“To seek a priority hearing on health grounds, complainants must submit a certificate from a qualified specialist doctor. In all other cases, the request must be supported by appropriate documentation justifying the exceptional circumstances. Requests without sufficient supporting documents will not be considered,” MahaRera clarified.
“MahaRera’s circular emphasises the need for a transparent and structured approach to bypass the chronological hearing order, ensuring that the process remains fair while accommodating cases of genuine urgency. Additionally, MahaRera chairman retains the discretion to decide whether a complaint merits an out-of-turn hearing,” media adviser Ram Dontonde said.
The guidelines are intended to reinforce MahaRera’s commitment to address the needs of the stakeholders experiencing exceptional hardships. The regulator also aims to balance administrative efficiency with the added sensitivity to individual circumstances without undermining the overall system of complaint resolution itself.
