Maharashtra RERA to prioritise complaints of homebuyers suffering from terminal illnesses, ET RealEstate
PUNE: The Maharashtra Real Estate Regulatory Authority (MahaRERA) has announced new guidelines that will prioritise complaints filed by homebuyers suffering from terminal illnesses, provided they submit valid medical certification. Its April 8 circular aims to clear a backlog of more than 8,000 cases and counter the allegations that high-profile litigants always jump the queue, leaving ordinary applicants in limbo.
“Complaints will be heard depending on urgency. Those suffering from life-threatening conditions should not have to spend their remaining time fighting bureaucratic battles,” a senior official, who refused to be named, said.
Under the new system, all standard complaints will be heard strictly in chronological order based on their filing date, eliminating the perception of favouritism or undue influence. However, the circular outlines certain exceptions where cases may receive expedited treatment.
Another official said those with terminal illnesses will invariably get the first preference, regardless of when they have filed their complaints. “However, to prevent misuse of this provision, we require proper medical documentation validating the condition.”
Among other exceptions are cases involving a review or rectification of previous MahaRERA orders, matters remanded by courts with deadlines, and complaints that have reached settlement through the authority’s conciliation process.
Officials said the revised norms are in line with the objectives of the Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act, 2016, which seeks to protect the interests of homebuyers and ensure accountability among developers. The circular refers to various provisions of the Act, including sections 25, 31 and 37, as well as regulation 38 of the MahaRERA General Regulations.
“By formalising the hearing sequence and limiting exceptions, the authority is sending a strong signal that procedural integrity is non-negotiable,” a senior MahaRERA official said.
Consumer advocates have lauded the move, saying it strikes a balance between humanitarian concerns and administrative efficiency. “This addresses both the emotional and procedural aspects of the problem. Terminally ill complainants get expedited hearings they desperately need, while everyone else gets an assurance of a fair place in line,” a housing lawyer said.
As per data, MahaRERA received more than 28,000 complaints since its formation in May 2017 and nearly 21,000 of them were disposed of.
A complainant who has been waiting for a hearing for the last two years is hopeful. “I believe that priorities will now be followed.”
The circular also mandates that any additional exceptions must receive explicit written approval from the authority’s chairperson. “We are hoping that a dashboard reflecting case hearings is put up on the website to ensure transparency,” an advocate, who takes up MahaRERA cases, said.
The authority has simultaneously enhanced its digital infrastructure, with an improved case-tracking system allowing complainants to monitor online their position in the queue.
