BHUBANESWAR: The Odisha Real Estate Regulatory Authority (ORERA) has registered a total of 4,334 cases against 714 builders since its establishment in 2017. Out of these, 1,028 cases are still pending resolution, as reported by Housing and Urban Development Minister Krushna Chandra Mahapatra in the state assembly.
The minister addressed a question from MLA Mangu Khilla regarding ORERA’s operational effectiveness. Khilla also inquired about the government’s actions to enhance ORERA’s functions. Mahapatra stated that the government has increased staffing and oversight, but various external factors continue to obstruct timely justice for homebuyers.
He indicated that procedural and legal hurdles, rather than just administrative capacity, frequently delay resolutions. Issues such as lack of cooperation, misinformation, and legal tactics by lawyers were major contributors to these delays.
“A notable number of cases faced delays because complainants and builders often failed to reach an agreement or participate effectively in mediation. Many delays began at the filing stage, where homebuyers provided inaccurate or outdated addresses for builders, complicating legal notices,” Mahapatra explained.
“Repetitive requests for extensions by both parties’ lawyers significantly prolonged litigation. In several instances, builders contested RERA orders in higher courts, postponing the enactment of original decisions,” he added.
To mitigate these delays, the state has appointed experienced officers to improve office operations. “RERA is focusing on proactive communication, leveraging print and electronic media to help the public navigate the legal system more effectively,” Mahapatra stated.
“The government is dedicated to strengthening RERA as a more effective regulatory body,” he mentioned, noting that workshops are being organized to facilitate better coordination between the public and real estate developers.
“RERA loses its purpose if it cannot deliver final decisions. The foundation of RERA was to protect homebuyers’ interests, and it should concentrate on that,” expressed Sarthak Jena, a homebuyer seeking resolution.
