Bombay High Court Mandate Brings Back In-Person Option at MahaRERA Proceedings

The Maharashtra Real Estate Regulatory Authority (MahaRERA) announced that it has restored hybrid hearing procedures following a directive from the Bombay High Court. The regulatory body confirmed that litigants would now have the flexibility to choose between virtual and physical court appearances, marking a significant improvement in accessibility for real estate dispute resolution.

The decision follows mounting concerns regarding limited physical accessibility and transparency issues under the previous virtual-only hearing system. Legal experts noted that the High Court emphasized the importance of providing litigants with in-person appearance options, particularly when adequate infrastructure exists to support such proceedings.

Judicial Intervention Drives Comprehensive Procedural Overhaul

The High Court's directive emerged from a public interest petition that highlighted significant operational deficiencies within MahaRERA's existing framework. The petition specifically addressed delays in order execution, the absence of urgent case listing mechanisms, and transparency-related concerns that were affecting the regulatory body's effectiveness.

Court officials mandated a series of comprehensive procedural reforms designed to ensure fairness and enhanced accessibility across all MahaRERA operations. The regulatory authority was given a four-week deadline to implement these changes and reopen physical hearing facilities.

Authority's Swift Implementation of Hybrid Model

MahaRERA officials confirmed that physical hearings have been successfully resumed, with stakeholders now enjoying the flexibility to request either in-person or online appearances based on their specific requirements. This policy shift represents a strategic return to pre-pandemic operational standards while maintaining the digital convenience features introduced during the lockdown period.

Beyond the restoration of hybrid hearings, the authority has initiated a comprehensive review of its internal procedures to address longstanding complaints regarding urgent case listings, delayed order enforcement, and insufficient public visibility into tribunal operations. These reforms are expected to benefit those dealing with real estate certification issues.

Comprehensive Reform Implementation Overview

Improved Access to Justice for Real Estate Stakeholders

The restoration of hybrid hearings is anticipated to provide substantial benefits to litigants, particularly those lacking access to reliable digital infrastructure or those who prefer direct interaction with regulatory officials. Legal professionals have expressed strong support for the move, describing it as a crucial step toward more equitable access to regulatory justice in the real estate sector.

MahaRERA has been instructed to submit a detailed compliance report outlining its progress in implementing these procedural changes. The improvements are designed not only to resolve current operational issues but also to prevent future procedural bottlenecks in handling real estate disputes. This development complements other recent initiatives, including verification processes for lapsed housing projects.

With both physical and digital pathways now operational, the authority aims to achieve an optimal balance between convenience and constitutional access rights, potentially establishing a precedent for other regulatory bodies across India. The reforms are expected to significantly improve the experience for those seeking resolution of legal aspects related to property purchases.