The Maharashtra Real Estate Regulatory Authority (MahaRERA) has recovered nearly ₹269 crore for homebuyers across the state since it began operations in May 2017. The figures point to the regulator’s growing role in resolving disputes and enforcing accountability in Maharashtra’s residential real estate market.

According to government data, MahaRERA, along with district collectors, has recovered ₹268.87 crore based on complaints filed by homebuyers. These complaints largely relate to project delays, non-compliance with sale agreements, and unfulfilled refund commitments by developers.

Recovery Orders Far Exceed Amount Collected

Over the past eight and a half years, MahaRERA has passed recovery orders worth ₹792 crore in favour of 1,291 complainants. While a significant portion of this amount has been recovered, proceedings worth around ₹103 crore remain pending.

Most of these stalled recoveries involve developers undergoing insolvency proceedings. In such cases, restrictions imposed by the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) limit the execution of recovery actions. As a result, even when orders are passed in favour of homebuyers, enforcement often depends on the outcome of insolvency resolutions.

Wide Variation Across Districts

District-wise data shows uneven recovery performance across Maharashtra. Mumbai Suburban leads in absolute recoveries, with ₹112 crore recovered against total dues of ₹352 crore. The figures reflect both the high volume of real estate activity in the region and the scale of buyer disputes.

Mumbai City has recovered ₹53 crore out of ₹104 crore due. Pune, one of the state’s largest housing markets, recorded recoveries of ₹47 crore against dues of ₹196 crore. Thane City reported ₹23 crore recovered out of ₹74 crore, while Alibaug recovered ₹9.5 crore from a total due of ₹24 crore.

In contrast, several smaller districts have achieved full recovery of compensation awarded by MahaRERA. Nashik recovered ₹4.90 crore, Sindhudurg ₹72 lakh, Solapur ₹12 lakh, and Chandrapur ₹9 lakh.

How the Recovery Process Works

MahaRERA functions as a quasi-judicial authority under the Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act, 2016. It adjudicates disputes between homebuyers and developers and issues directions for refunds or compensation when required.

However, MahaRERA does not execute recovery proceedings directly. Once a recovery order is issued, enforcement falls under the jurisdiction of the state’s revenue machinery. District collectors are responsible for executing these orders after receiving recovery warrants from the authority.

Under Section 40(1) of the RERA Act, district collectors are empowered to recover dues as arrears of land revenue, in accordance with the Maharashtra Land Revenue Code.

Insolvency Cases Remain a Key Challenge

Experts note that the gap between total recovery orders and actual collections highlights structural challenges in enforcement. While recovery orders stand at ₹792 crore, collections have reached only ₹268.87 crore so far.

Insolvency proceedings further complicate the process. When developers enter insolvency, homebuyers become one category of creditors, making recoveries uncertain and time-consuming. MahaRERA officials, however, say coordination with district administrations has improved to accelerate recoveries wherever legal conditions allow.

—----------------------