The Maharashtra Real Estate Regulatory Authority (MahaRERA) has taken strong steps to reinforce transparency and protect homebuyers, even as it clamps down on non-compliant real estate projects. In a bold and controversial move, MahaRERA has restricted online access to detailed information of such projects once they are placed under abeyance. However, the regulator maintains that essential project information is still available through formal requests, thereby balancing public interest with regulatory enforcement.
Enforcing Accountability Through Abeyance
Projects that fail to submit mandatory quarterly updates or comply with other registration obligations are marked as “in abeyance.” This status halts project sales, freezes related bank accounts, and suspends public access to the project’s information page on the MahaRERA portal. Instead, users see a placeholder message stating that the project is in abeyance and the bank account has been frozen.
MahaRERA has clarified that while the online visibility of such projects is restricted to avoid misuse of outdated or incomplete data, buyers can still access project details by formally applying to the authority. This controlled access model aims to ensure data security while enabling genuine buyers to make informed decisions.
Legal Pushback and Transparency Mandates
Several legal experts and consumer rights activists have raised concerns, arguing that the move could deprive homebuyers of their right to transparency. They cite Section 4(2)(l) of the Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act, 2016, which mandates that key project information must remain publicly accessible.
Critics argue that the lack of access to previous approvals, orders, and uploaded documents leaves buyers in the dark and makes it difficult for them to lodge complaints or pursue legal action. However, MahaRERA maintains that it has not entirely blocked data access—it has simply streamlined the process to prevent misuse and verify information before sharing sensitive details.
Ongoing Verifications to Build Confidence
MahaRERA is also conducting a state-wide verification of Occupancy Certificates (OCs) submitted by developers. Of the 2,600 OCs sent for cross-verification with local authorities, only 136 have been confirmed so far. This verification drive comes in the wake of recent scandals involving fake approvals and underscores MahaRERA’s commitment to due diligence.
By ensuring that only authentic and verified documentation supports project approvals, the regulator aims to eliminate fraudulent practices and boost buyer confidence in the real estate market.
Striking a Balance: Regulation and Transparency
MahaRERA’s recent actions reflect a careful balancing act:
- Regulatory Oversight: Projects under abeyance are restricted from sales and financial activity, protecting buyers from non-compliant developers.
- Controlled Access: Although online access is temporarily suspended, buyers can still access data through verified channels.
- Data Verification: Ongoing audits of developer-submitted documents reinforce the integrity of the regulatory system.
Looking Ahead: Rebuilding Trust in Real Estate
As stakeholders continue their discussions, many advocate for a model that keeps non-sensitive documents publicly accessible while maintaining restrictions on critical compliance-related information.
This would not only comply with the letter of the law but also restore transparency, empower buyers, and ensure the long-term credibility of the regulatory authority.
MahaRERA’s actions, though debated, highlight its core mission: to ensure transparency, protect homebuyers, and uphold trust in Maharashtra’s real estate ecosystem.
