In a recent landmark ruling of the Hon’ble Bombay High Court (“BHC”) in the matter of Wadhwa Group Housing Private Limited (“Appellant”) vs. Vijay Choksi and Ors., it has been inter-alia held that a promoter of a joint development project, who has not received any consideration from the allottee of an apartment coming to the share of another promoter, is jointly obligated to refund that consideration with interest under Section 18 of the Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act, 2016 (“RERA Act”). The Hon’ble Supreme Court has vide its order dated April 8, 2024 declined to entertain a special leave petition which was filed by the Appellant challenging the aforesaid judgement of the BHC.Continue Reading Promoter’s Liability for Joint Development Projects: Consideration Received by one cannot absolve the other from joint liability to refund
MahaRERA
Relief to Affected Home Buyers For Delay In Possession
Delays in handing over the possession of flats has become a rampant practice in the Indian real estate industry, due to which numerous innocent home buyers are being penalised. With developers indulging in the delay tactics in handing over possession of flats, home buyers are not only left in the lurch, but are also being forced to pay ‘equated monthly instalments’ (“EMIs”) on home loans. However, over the years various forums have come to the rescue of the flat buyers.Continue Reading Relief to Affected Home Buyers For Delay In Possession
MahaRERA: Update on procedure for transferring or assigning promoter’s rights and liabilities to a third party was laid down
Maharashtra Real Estate Regulatory Authority (MahaRERA), vide Circular No. 11/2017 dated November 8, 2017, bearing reference no. MahaRERA/Secy/File No.27 / 491 /2017, prescribed procedure for transferring or assigning promoter’s rights and liabilities to a third party. The circular delineated the procedure in accordance with Section 15 of the Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act, 2016 (“Act”), which states that, “the promoter shall not transfer or assign his majority rights and liabilities in respect of a real estate project to a third party without obtaining prior written consent from two-third allottees, except the promoter, and without the prior written approval of the Authority”.
Continue Reading MahaRERA: Update on procedure for transferring or assigning promoter’s rights and liabilities to a third party was laid down
Analysis of the Maha RERA Amendment Rules 2019
Since the enactment of Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act, 2016 (Act), Government of Maharashtra (GoM) was one of the few States to immediately frame the rules thereunder being Maharashtra Real Estate (Regulation and Development) (Registration of Real Estate Projects, Registration of Real Estate Agents, Rates of Interest and Disclosures on Website) Rules, 2017 (Rules). The Maharashtra Real Estate Regulatory Authority (MAHA RERA) has been taking the lead to enforce and/or provide clarifications from time to time on the Act and the Rules by issuing various circulars and orders. Recently, the GoM has issued a notification on June 6, 2019 amending certain provisions of the Rules (Amendment Rules).
Continue Reading Analysis of the Maha RERA Amendment Rules 2019
No Occupancy Certificate: Not the Only Criteria for Registration with RERA
The Maharashtra Real Estate Regulatory Authority (MahaRERA) in its recent order has held that mere non-procurement of an occupancy certificate by a developer does not make the developer liable to register the real estate project[1] under Section 3 of the Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act, 2016 (Act).
This order has been passed following a complaint filed by Sulatana Dalal (Complainant) against Asia Group (Developer), before MahaRERA in relation to a project named as ‘Miracle Mall’ situated at Bhiwandi, Thane, Maharashtra. The Complainant’s contention was that even though the building was completely occupied, the Developer had failed to obtain an occupation certificate and committed breach of law. Against this background, the Complainant sought directions from MahaRERA to register the building under the provisions of the Act.
Continue Reading No Occupancy Certificate: Not the Only Criteria for Registration with RERA
Revolutionary in Nature: How State Real Estate Authorities Enjoy Powers Akin to Civil Courts
The Indian Real Estate industry is experiencing a major overhaul on account of the strict implementation of the Real Estate (Regulation and Development), Act, 2016 (RERA), the Prohibition of Benami Property Transactions Act, 2016 (PBPT Act) and the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code, 2016 (Insolvency Code).
While implementation of RERA is gaining momentum across the country with each passing day, the State Real Estate Authorities (Regulator) established under the RERA have emerged as a powerful tool for ensuring proper and effective implementation of RERA by the states across India. This article aims to provide an overview of the powers and functions of the Regulator and how it is using these powers to protect the interests of property buyers in India.
Continue Reading Revolutionary in Nature: How State Real Estate Authorities Enjoy Powers Akin to Civil Courts