The verdict, delivered on August 5, reaffirmed that the State Environment Impact Assessment Authority (SEIAA) and State Expert Appraisal Committee (SEAC) will continue to serve as the competent authorities for project-level environmental assessments.

According to CREDAI-MCHI, the apex industry body, the judgment removes regulatory uncertainty that had significantly disrupted project approvals, delayed construction timelines, and weakened homebuyer sentiment.

“This landmark ruling brings long-awaited relief to over 493 projects stalled in MMR and Pune, affecting more than 70,000 housing units, especially in the affordable and mid-income segments,” CREDAI-MCHI said in a statement.

The case had created a cloud of legal ambiguity around the jurisdiction of state-level environmental bodies, leading to approval delays across several major real estate projects.

With this ruling, developers and homebuyers can now expect faster clearances, improved market stability, and renewed confidence in the regulatory framework governing urban development in Maharashtra.

News source: Hindustan Times