Legality of MahaRERA Conciliation Forum Affirmed

23 Sep 2024 CW Team

The chairman of Mumbai Grahak Panchayat (MGP), Shirish V Deshpande, has affirmed that the conciliation forum established by the Maharashtra Real Estate Regulatory Authority (MahaRERA) operates within legal boundaries. This statement comes as the Forum for Peoples' Collective Efforts (FPCE), a national association of homebuyers, questions the forum's legitimacy and seeks intervention from the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs.

Deshpande explained that the conciliation forum is rooted in Section 32(g) of the Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act, 2016 (RERA), which mandates state RERA authorities to recommend measures for amicable dispute resolution between promoters and allottees. The forum was initiated following discussions with promoters’ associations and was officially notified on January 29, 2018.

In August, FPCE President Abhay Upadhyay expressed concerns in a letter to the Ministry, claiming that MahaRERA lacks the legal authority to establish such a forum, raising fears of a potential conflict of interest. However, Deshpande contended that the forum is functioning effectively within RERA's framework, encouraging those with legal concerns to challenge its validity in court.

He clarified that while MahaRERA provides administrative support, its members do not participate in the conciliation process. The conciliation bench consists of two conciliators: one from MGP and another from recognized industry bodies.

The benefits of conciliation include quicker resolutions—typically within 3-4 sessions—saving both time and money. Since the settlements are mutually agreed upon, they avoid the need for appeals. Additionally, RERA imposes penalties for non-compliance, which can accumulate to 5% of the total project cost.

Infrastructure Energy

17 Dec 2025

Vedanta Aluminium Uses 1.57 bn Units of Green Energy in FY25

Vedanta Aluminium, India’s largest aluminium producer, recently reported consumption of 1.57 billion units of renewable energy in FY25, marking a significant milestone in its 2030 decarbonisation roadmap. The company also achieved an 8.96 per cent reduction in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions intensity compared to FY21, reinforcing its leadership in India’s low-carbon manufacturing transition. During FY25, Vedanta Aluminium expanded its renewable energy portfolio through long-term power purchase agreements, strengthening its strategy to source nearly 1,500 MW of renewable power over the lon..

Oberoi Group to Develop Luxury Resort at Makaibari Tea Estate

EIH Limited, the flagship company of The Oberoi Group, has announced the signing of a management agreement to develop an Oberoi luxury resort at the iconic Makaibari Tea Estate in Darjeeling. The project marks a key milestone in the Group’s long-term strategy of creating distinctive hospitality experiences in rare and environmentally significant locations. Established in 1859, Makaibari is one of the world’s oldest tea estates and is globally recognised for its Himalayan landscape, primary forests and exceptional biodiversity. Spread across 1,236 acres, the estate houses one of the world�..

GHV Infra Secures Rs 1.09 Bn EPC Order in Jamshedpur

GHV Infra Projects Ltd, a fast-growing EPC company in India’s infrastructure and construction sector, has recently secured a Rs 1.09 billion work order in Jamshedpur, Jharkhand. Awarded by a reputed group entity, the contract covers end-to-end civil construction, mechanical, electrical and plumbing (MEP) systems, along with high-quality finishing works for a large building development. The project will be executed over a 30-month period, with defined benchmarks for quality, safety and timely delivery. The order strengthens GHV Infra’s footprint in Jamshedpur, a key industrial hub known fo..