Maharashtra Housing Federation Urges Online Hearings for Society Disputes
Pune, 21st February 2025: The Maharashtra State Cooperative Housing Federation has renewed its call for implementing online hearings for cooperative housing society disputes, citing delays caused by physical proceedings. Despite a 2020 government resolution mandating virtual hearings, the directive remains largely unimplemented.
With cases in cooperative housing societies taking anywhere from three to six months for resolution, experts argue that online hearings could significantly streamline the process. “The COVID-19 pandemic demonstrated how effective virtual communication can be. While many sectors have successfully integrated digital solutions, cooperative societies continue to rely on traditional hearings despite clear government directives,” said advocate Shreeprasad Parab, expert director of the Maharashtra State Cooperative Housing Federation.
The federation pointed to multiple government decisions, including the October 2020 resolution that required videoconferencing for quasi-judicial hearings and a January 2021 Bombay High Court judgment pushing for its swift execution. “The state government’s directives, including the recent December 13, 2024, circular from the Cooperation Department, explicitly support virtual hearings. However, these policies remain largely unimplemented,” noted CA Ramesh Prabhu, chairman of the Maharashtra Societies Welfare Association.
Advocates for the reform believe that incorporating virtual hearings into the existing Sahakar Samvad portal—already used for filing complaints—would be a logical next step. “This isn’t just about convenience; it’s about ensuring access to justice. The right to a fair hearing should evolve with technology,” Parab emphasized.
Online hearings, the federation argues, would be especially beneficial for complex cases related to deemed conveyance and redevelopment issues. “The cooperative movement is built on the principles of autonomy and welfare. Implementing virtual hearings aligns with these values and the broader vision of a welfare state,” added Parab.
Officials from the state’s Cooperation Department acknowledged the concerns and indicated that plans for scheduling online hearings would be discussed soon.
