MahaRERA Backlog Highlights Need for Faster Dispute Resolution

India’s real estate regulatory framework was introduced to strengthen transparency and accountability in the sector while protecting homebuyers. Yet, the pace of dispute resolution continues to raise concerns as pending cases remain a challenge.

A substantial number of disputes remain unresolved before the Maharashtra Real Estate Regulatory Authority (MahaRERA), underlining ongoing delays in resolving conflicts between homebuyers and developers.

According to the state economic survey 2025–26 presented in the state legislative assembly, 6,366 complaints remain pending with MahaRERA as of December 2025. The figures reflect a continuing backlog despite multiple efforts to streamline the system.

Data from the survey shows that 53,012 real estate projects have been registered with MahaRERA as of December 2025. Since the authority’s inception, 32,377 complaints have been filed, out of which 26,011 cases have been resolved, leaving 6,366 disputes still awaiting resolution.

Established under the Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act, 2016, MahaRERA was designed to regulate the real estate sector by ensuring transparency in transactions, financial discipline, and protection of homebuyers’ interests. The authority also provides accountability mechanisms for developers and addresses disputes through conciliation and quasi-judicial proceedings.

Officials say administrative steps have helped improve case disposal. A systematic effort by three adjudicating officers has contributed to reducing part of the backlog of pending complaints.

In 2025 alone, 5,039 complaints were filed, while 6,945 orders were issued in previously pending cases. This marks a noticeable improvement compared with 2024, when 3,880 complaints were filed and 3,824 cases were resolved, and 2023, which recorded 4,000 complaints and 2,784 resolutions.

Authorities further stated that complaints registered up to November 2025 have either received their first hearing or have been assigned hearing dates. A revised administrative system now ensures that complaints are acknowledged and listed within one to two months of filing.

Despite these improvements, consumer organisations argue that stronger enforcement mechanisms are required to ensure quicker relief for homebuyers.

Consumer bodies have urged stricter and faster redressal mechanisms, pointing to delays in issuing orders and recovery warrants. As one consumer body representative noted, “The delay needs to be addressed urgently to ensure the system works effectively.”

Activists also warn that with the number of registered projects steadily rising, the dispute resolution framework must evolve to prevent delays from undermining buyer confidence in the regulatory system.

Earlier this month, the Supreme Court criticised RERA bodies across the country, stating that many regulators were doing little beyond facilitating defaulting builders and even suggesting the possibility of abolition if they failed to perform effectively.

The observation came during proceedings in the State of Himachal Pradesh vs Naresh Sharma case, which concerned the shifting of the Himachal Pradesh RERA office from Shimla to Dharamshala.

MahaRERA was among the earliest state regulators to operationalise the central law and has been widely used by homebuyers for issues including delayed possession, project changes, and refund claims. However, as the sector expands, experts believe strengthening the dispute resolution mechanism will be critical to maintaining trust in the regulatory framework.

A realty expert noted, “There is an urgent need to address the dispute resolving mechanism.”

By Sana Khan
Executive Editor, Realty Quarter
Mumbai