Advertisement
The Maharashtra Real Estate Regulatory Authority (MahaRERA) has launched a state-level verification drive of over 3,600 occupancy certificates (OCs) submitted by developers across the state. This move aims to detect and prevent fraudulent practices, particularly in the aftermath of the Kalyan-Dombivli scam, where fake approvals had led to the demolition of illegal buildings. Planning authorities have been given a 10-day window to verify the authenticity of OCs, and their silence will be taken as confirmation. However, if certificates are later found to be false, the responsibility will rest with them. So far, only 136 OCs have been verified, revealing inefficiencies in the coordination between planning bodies and the regulator.
MahaRERA has launched a full-scale verification of occupancy certificates (OCs) submitted by developers on its portal, targeting over 3,600 projects across Maharashtra. The action comes amid growing concerns over forged or misleading certificates being uploaded to the regulator's system-an issue highlighted after the Kalyan-Dombivli land scam came to light in 2022. That case involved thousands of homebuyers being displaced after buildings were demolished for lacking valid permissions, with several projects linked to fake 7/12 extracts and false RERA registration documents. Advertisement
In response, MahaRERA has now circulated the details of OCs submitted by developers to various municipal corporations and local planning authorities. These authorities have been given around ten days to verify and respond. If no reply is received within the time frame, MahaRERA will treat the OC as valid, but any discrepancies discovered later will be the responsibility of the respective authority.
So far, the verification process has revealed a slow pace-only 136 certificates have been confirmed as genuine. Most of the state's planning bodies are still working to digitally align their systems with MahaRERA's database. For example, while the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has successfully integrated its records with MahaRERA, several other municipalities have not yet completed this transition, creating delays and inconsistencies.
Another critical concern flagged during this verification is the misrepresentation of partial OCs as complete ones. In several cases, developers have uploaded approvals for a portion of a project but presented them as if the entire building had received clearance. MahaRERA is now closely reviewing the actual usage details associated with each OC to identify such irregularities.
This step is part of MahaRERA's broader crackdown on deceptive real estate practices and follows its earlier directives asking developers to upload OCs before applying for project completion status. Under Maharashtra's RERA framework, developers must register projects, provide timely updates, and submit a valid OC before withdrawing funds from designated project accounts. The regulator also launched initiatives like standardised allotment letters and sale agreements to improve transparency for homebuyers.
5th Jun, 2025
25th May, 2023
11th May, 2023
27th Apr, 2023
Advertisement
Facebook
Whatsapp
