Pune: Experts Slam Ineffectiveness of MahaRERA, Call for Stricter Action Against Erring Builders

Pune, 3rd November 2025: Despite being introduced to bring transparency and accountability to Maharashtra’s real estate sector, the Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act, commonly known as MahaRERA, has largely remained on paper, said RERA expert Vijay Kumbhar on Sunday.

He was speaking on the topic “Has MahaRERA Really Been Effective?” at the monthly discussion organised by Sajag Nagarik Manch at the IMDR Hall in Pune. Forum president Vivek Velankar was also present during the session.

Kumbhar said the RERA law was enacted in 2016 to protect homebuyers and streamline the construction sector, which was previously riddled with opacity and fraud. However, he said, “Consumers are still being cheated and developers continue to operate without accountability. The transparency and accountability promised under MahaRERA are missing.”

According to Kumbhar, Maharashtra accounts for 35 percent of all registered construction projects in India, with over 50,162 projects registered in the last eight years. Of these, 31,531 complaints were received, and MahaRERA issued orders in 24,693 cases. “Despite these decisions, transactions continue unhindered and there has been no meaningful deterrent for erring developers,” he added.

Kumbhar also pointed out that while the law allows for penalties, MahaRERA has limited itself to compensatory measures. “No punitive action has been taken against developers. The authority can issue decisions but lacks the mechanism to ensure their implementation. It also does not have a system to verify the authenticity of documents submitted by builders,” he said.

He further mentioned that the long-pending Title Act—which would prevent developers from raising funds without clear land titles—has not been implemented. “The government’s indifference is allowing financial irregularities to continue unchecked,” he said.

Echoing similar concerns, Sajag Nagarik Manch President Vivek Velankar urged citizens to remain vigilant. “Homebuyers should continue to file complaints against developers’ violations. The government must take strict steps to curb the arbitrariness of builders,” Velankar said.