Established to provide prompt resolutions to homebuyers, the Maharashtra Real Estate Regulatory Authority's (MahaRERA) Conciliation Forums have successfully addressed 1,749 grievances from homebuyers across the state. As the decisions made by the forums are upheld by MahaRERA, the platform's popularity is on the rise. Currently, hearings on 533 grievances are in progress at the 52 Conciliation Forums throughout Maharashtra. Of the total 5,958 cases so far, 1,749 have been resolved by the Conciliation Forums through amicable settlements between complainants and developers. Consequently, 32.36% of property purchasers have benefited from timely justice.

Given the advantages of this platform, several other states such as Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Telangana have also established Conciliation Forums. Additionally, many other states are communicating with MahaRERA to understand this initiative. Initially, the MahaRERA Conciliation Forums operated only in the Mumbai and Pune regions. However, due to rising popularity, efforts are being made to expand their presence. They will now also operate in Nashik, Nagpur, Thane, Kalyan, Navi Mumbai, Palghar, Raigad, Vasai, and Mira Road.

So far, the Conciliation Forum in Mumbai has resolved 562 complaints, while Pune's forum has addressed 530 grievances. Similarly, the Thane forum has successfully resolved 201 complaints, 169 in Navi Mumbai, 105 in Palghar, 73 in Kalyan, 71 in Vasai, 13 in Nagpur, 9 in Mira Road, and 8 each in Raigad and Nashik. MahaRERA conducts regular hearings upon receiving complaints from homebuyers. At the first hearing, complainants are given the option to have their issues resolved through the Conciliation Forum, ensuring that all their rights are preserved. Only with the complainants' consent is the case forwarded to the forum.

No MahaRERA officials participate in these Conciliation Forums. Instead, representatives from consumer bodies, various self-regulatory organizations of developers (currently, there are six such organizations, three of which are involved in this initiative, while efforts are ongoing to include the others), and the complainants themselves are present. Representatives from consumer bodies and self-regulatory organizations are experienced experts in their respective fields.

If desired, homebuyers can also seek assistance from lawyers. These hearings are conducted in an audio-visual format. Moreover, MahaRERA has formed a Core Committee to oversee the operations of these Conciliation Forums. Regular workshops, facilitated by legal experts, are conducted to provide guidance to the members.

The MahaRERA Conciliation Forum is required to make decisions within a time frame of 60 days, or within 90 days in exceptional circumstances. Resolution occurs only when both the complainant and the respondent agree to the terms and conditions of the settlement. The Conciliation Success Report, which all parties agree upon, is then submitted to MahaRERA for a hearing, and orders are issued accordingly. If the settlement terms are not fulfilled, the complainant can seek recourse from MahaRERA, as the grievance cannot be dismissed without the complainant's consent. The right to file a complaint remains unaffected, and MahaRERA will hear the matter based on the original merits of the case. Due to this homebuyer-centric approach, the Conciliation Forums are increasingly popular among complainants, particularly flat purchasers.

MahaRERA Chairman Shri Manoj Saunik said, "MahaRERA takes every effort to proactively resolve various types of complaints received from homebuyers. During the first hearing of the case, to explore the possibility of the grievance getting amicably and mutually resolved between the homebuyer and developer, the former is provided with the alternative to opt for a resolution through the Conciliation Forum. This option is adopted only if both the parties are willing to proceed. If the complainant agrees, their grievance can be resolved within 60 days or, in exceptional circumstances, within 90 days. In case of a deadlock for whichever reason, the complainant always has the option to re approach MahaRERA. The rights and merits of the cases remain intact. Given the flexibility that the Conciliation Forum provides, there is an increase in its popularity."

In conclusion, the success of MahaRERA's Conciliation Forums reflects a growing commitment to protecting home buyers' rights and providing timely resolutions. As their popularity increases and the initiative expands, it sets a benchmark for transparency and efficiency in the real estate sector, significantly benefiting flat purchasers across Maharashtra and beyond.