Daijiworld Media Network - Mumbai
Mumbai, Jun 14: The Maharashtra Real Estate Regulatory Authority (MahaRERA) has seen a dramatic surge in complaint resolution efficiency under its current chairman, Manoj Saunik, who assumed office in October 2024. Since his appointment, Saunik has resolved 1,655 complaints, including both fresh and long-pending cases, offering timely relief to thousands of distressed homebuyers.
In just eight months, 852 new complaints were filed, and many legacy cases that had been stuck since May 2020 were brought back into active hearing. Officials now report that 175 to 200 cases are being heard daily, marking a significant shift in MahaRERA's operational pace.
MahaRERA, established in 2017 to safeguard homebuyers’ interests, has so far registered 50,223 housing projects. Complaints have been received in 5,508 cases, or nearly 11% of all registered projects. In total, the authority has received 10,610 complaints since its inception, of which 7,732 have been resolved — with Saunik handling a considerable portion.
Sources say that under the previous administration, thousands of complaints had stagnated due to limited hearings. Saunik’s tenure reversed that trend by accelerating proceedings and ensuring systematic scheduling.
Adding to this momentum is the introduction of the Pronouncement of Order system, which ensures that verdicts are immediately communicated to complainants upon resolution — enhancing transparency and trust among stakeholders.
There was also a digital hiccup that briefly slowed down project registrations. MahaRERA had launched a new website, which proved problematic for builders trying to register their projects. Upon taking charge, Saunik reverted to the previous platform, instantly resuming smooth project registrations.
A MahaRERA official reiterated that any aggrieved party can lodge a complaint regarding a registered project if they believe there’s been a violation of the Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act. Appeals can be made first to the Appellate Tribunal, and further, to the High Court, if required.
Under Saunik’s leadership, MahaRERA appears to be restoring its role as a fast and fair regulator in Maharashtra’s real estate sector.