MUMBAI: The Bombay High Court has ordered the Maharashtra Real Estate Regulatory Authority (MahaRera) to reinstate hybrid hearings within four weeks. This will allow parties to choose between physical or virtual appearances. “Access to justice includes the right to appear in person, not just virtual access,” stated Justices Revati Mohite Dere and Neela Gokhale.
A petition filed by Mayur Desai requested the court to expedite the resolution of execution and non-compliance cases pending since March 2024 and to reinstate hybrid hearings, a practice in place before the Covid-19 pandemic. MahaRera’s attorney mentioned that parties wishing to attend in person could submit their requests to the respective bench for consideration.
The judges expressed concern over MahaRera’s ongoing preference for a virtual-only format, particularly as other courts have adopted a hybrid model. Additionally, they instructed the authority to revisit its April 2025 circular and standard operating procedures regarding urgent matter listings, execution of orders, case mentions, and the publication of reserved judgments.
