Mumbai Grahak Panchayat defends MahaRERA Conciliation Forum

The Mumbai Grahak Panchayat (MGP) has defended the legality of the MahaRERA Conciliation Forum, which aims to resolve disputes between homebuyers and builders in Maharashtra. The Forum for Peoples' Collective Efforts (FPCE), a nationwide homebuyers' association, raised concerns over the forum's legality, arguing that the Real Estate Regulatory Authority (RERA) lacks the authority to create such a forum. FPCE claimed that this move could lead to a conflict of interest. However, MGP Chairman Shirish V Deshpande stated that the forum operates within the framework of RERA, specifically Section 32(g), which mandates state RERA authorities to recommend measures for amicable conciliation of disputes. Deshpande emphasized that the forum was established after thorough deliberations with promoters' associations and has been functioning effectively since its notification in January 2018. He also highlighted that conciliation and mediation are legally recognized modes of alternative dispute resolution, which save time and money. Deshpande urged those questioning the forum's legality to challenge it in court, asserting that the forum has the necessary legal sanctity and operates independently of MahaRERA members.