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Maharashtra Real Estate Regulatory Authority (MahaRERA) has introduced a hybrid hearing system, allowing parties in disputes to attend either physically or via video-conference. The move follows directions from the Bombay High Court emphasizing that digital-only hearings cannot replace access to justice. Virtual hearings are recorded, and all orders are timestamped and published online. While simple cases are increasingly handled digitally, complex matters continue in person. The change aims to improve efficiency, transparency, and convenience, reducing travel and delays for homebuyers and developers across Maharashtra.
The Maharashtra Real Estate Regulatory Authority (MahaRERA) has rolled out hybrid hearings to allow parties in real estate disputes the choice to attend proceedings physically or virtually through secure video-conferencing. This initiative comes after the Bombay High Court highlighted that access to justice requires flexibility, noting that virtual-only hearings do not adequately address parties' rights to appear. Advertisement
Under the new system, parties must specify their preferred mode of hearing when filing a complaint or non-compliance application. If physical attendance is requested, it must be communicated in writing through MahaRERA's online portal. Virtual hearings are available statewide, recorded, and all orders carry timestamps and are accessible on the MahaRERA website, ensuring transparency and accountability.
Hearings are conducted at MahaRERA offices in Mumbai and other designated centres, while the virtual system covers the entire state, reducing both travel time and costs. Simple disputes are increasingly resolved online, while cases requiring detailed scrutiny continue in person. MahaRERA has reported improved attendance and quicker resolution for simpler cases since implementing the hybrid format.
Earlier this year, the Bombay High Court noted that MahaRERA's previous virtual-only process caused delays and restricted access to justice. The court instructed the authority to restore hybrid hearings within four weeks, revise urgent hearing procedures, and ensure that all orders show date and time stamps.
To support this transition, MahaRERA had issued several circulars, including an August directive outlining standard procedures for hybrid hearings and a September update formalizing the system for both complaints and non-compliance applications. These steps aim to make dispute resolution more user-friendly without compromising legal rigour.
For homebuyers and developers, hybrid hearings provide significant advantages: the convenience of attending remotely, reduced travel expenses, faster resolution of straightforward matters, and full transparency through timestamped orders. Complex cases still require physical hearings to allow detailed discussion, but the dual-mode option ensures no party is forced into a single format.
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