BHUBANESWAR: The Odisha Real Estate Regulatory Authority (ORERA) has released comprehensive guidelines to guarantee the effective operations of the Conciliation and Dispute Resolution (CDR) cell, which aims to facilitate amicable resolutions for conflicts involving homebuyers, promoters, and agents.
These guidelines outline the responsibilities of ORERA and complainants regarding grievances, promoting efficient settlement of disputes under the Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act, 2016, through various alternative dispute resolution methods.
As stated, the CDR cell will address disputes between promoters, agents, and allottees within the Act’s scope when referred by ORERA or upon application from one party.
“If the authority is convinced that conciliation is possible while complaints are under review, it may, with both parties’ consent, refer the complaint to the CDR cell,” the guidelines specify.
Parties interested in conciliation can submit applications, which must be sent to the opposing party via post or email. The opposing party is required to provide their consent for conciliation within seven days of receiving the communication.
Once the opposing party consents, the initiating party must pay Rs 500 to the ORERA secretary. Following that, the case will be forwarded to the CDR cell, and parties will be notified of the hearing details.
It is crucial that both parties attend the hearing, where conciliators will assist in resolving the dispute amicably, possibly with the aid of voluntary consumer groups. If an agreement is reached, it will be documented and signed by both parties.
“Should any party fail to comply with the settlement order, this non-compliance will be considered in future proceedings if the aggrieved party approaches ORERA,” the guidelines elaborate, stating that unresolved issues will be escalated to ORERA or another court.
Real estate expert Bimalendu Pradhan noted that the CDR cell will save time and costs for both promoters and homebuyers. “No one wishes to prolong a matter that could be resolved through dialogue. The CDR cell in ORERA provides this opportunity and should be promoted,” he emphasized.
