PUNE: The progress of MahaRERA in executing recovery warrants has been sluggish, with only 31% of cases resolved. Although the state government has instructed that these cases be handled within three months, officials informed TOI that merely Rs 233 crore has been recovered from the Rs 760 crore due in 1,212 cases across Maharashtra.
This slow progress contradicts the revenue minister Chandrakant Bawankule’s promise during the state budget session, where he highlighted the need for faster execution of MahaRERA’s recovery warrant orders to clear the backlog within three months.
The recovery warrants are issued under Section 40(1) of the Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act (RERA) against developers who fail to complete projects or refund homebuyers. After being issued by MahaRERA, these orders are sent to district collectors for action, including property attachment and recovery of dues. The districts of Mumbai Suburban, Pune, and Thane continue to have the highest volume of pending cases.
“While there has been some improvement in execution rates, the volume of pending cases is still alarming. It necessitates more proactive coordination from revenue officials,” noted a senior MahaRERA official, pointing out that this is even with the appointment of additional collectors in various districts to accelerate recovery warrant executions.
Moreover, 172 complaints involving Rs 157 crore are pending before the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT), which oversees insolvency and bankruptcy cases. These unresolved cases add to the distress of affected homebuyers, as reported by officials.
In a broader effort for accountability, PM Narendra Modi addressed the issue directly during the Pragati review meeting on May 29, expressing dissatisfaction with merely counting “disposed” complaints and questioning whether states truly ensured redressal. Following this, Maharashtra chief secretary Sujata Saunik convened a review meeting in mid-June with collectorates across the state, directing officials to expedite the execution of recovery warrants and ensure accountability.
Additional revenue officers have been appointed to support enforcement efforts. Senior citizen Arun Sheth, who has been waiting over four years for action against a developer, expressed frustration: “There’s been no real progress on my case despite numerous follow-ups. It’s just silence.”
Activists and consumer groups have called for improved monitoring tools. “MahaRERA should implement a real-time dashboard similar to UP RERA’s. There ought to be clearly defined Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and phased targets instead of vague timelines,” stated activist R Prabhu.
MahaRERA officials mentioned that this issue is anticipated to be brought up in the upcoming legislative session. “It’s crucial that revenue officials present a concrete and time-bound plan for executing these orders,” an official remarked.
