Housing Society Redevelopment: Maharashtra Govt Ends Registrar’s Role in NOC Process
Pune, 12th November 2025: In a significant step aimed at streamlining the redevelopment process of co-operative housing societies across Maharashtra, the state co-operation department has issued a new circular prohibiting registrars from issuing or accepting applications for No Objection Certificates (NOCs) related to redevelopment proposals. The move comes in the wake of a recent Bombay High Court ruling that clarified the limited supervisory role of registrars in such cases.
The circular, signed by Co-operation Commissioner Deepak Taware, reiterates that the general body of a housing society is the supreme authority in deciding redevelopment projects. The High Court, in its ruling, made it clear that registrars have no statutory authority to grant consent or approval for redevelopment under the current government policy.
The order further states that if any member of a society believes that legal provisions, rules, or bye-laws have been violated during the redevelopment process, they may seek redressal under Section 91 of the Maharashtra Co-operative Societies Act, 1960, by approaching the Co-operative Court.
To ensure strict compliance, the department has warned that disciplinary action will be taken against any officer who disregards the directives. It has also set clear timelines for administrative procedures — once a proposal for appointing an authorized officer for a special general body meeting is received, the appointment must be made within 14 days. Failure to do so will invite disciplinary proceedings.
The authorized officer is required to remain present during the special general body meeting in which the developer is selected, verify the quorum, and ensure that proceedings — including the video recording, voting process, and resolutions — are properly documented.
Furthermore, societies must submit copies of the meeting notice, agenda, consent letters, minutes, and video recordings to the registrar’s office within 15 days of the meeting.
The circular explicitly bars registrars from reviewing, altering, or rejecting decisions made by a society’s general body regarding redevelopment, reinforcing the principles of self-governance, accountability, and transparency in co-operative housing societies.
