Fix implementation gaps and preserve RERA’s core work

Q. I refer to the recent remarks by the Chief Justice of India to scrap RERA since it has only helped builders and not homebuyers.

- Adv Shirish V Deshpande

His bench observed that instead of safeguarding homebuyers, RERA is increasingly seen as favoring defaulting builders. The CJI further said RERA is failing in its purpose of protecting homebuyers and ensuring accountability in the real estate sector, adding that it may be better to abolish it altogether. The bench also criticised delays in dispute resolution, weak enforcement and the growing perception that RERA authorities are ineffective and biased. You have been closely associated with framing RERA and its implementation in Maharashtra. How do you view these comments? Is scrapping RERA justified?

— Ninad Sule, Santa Cruz (W)

A. The remarks of the Supreme Court of India and the Chief Justice of India must be viewed in the right spirit and perspective. They deserve serious attention from all RERA authorities and the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs. I welcome the observations, as they have jolted both state RERA bodies and the Government of India into introspection. The reported comments are sharp and call for immediate corrective action.