Homebuyers don’t get timely help from Rajasthan RERA

JAIPUR: Many distressed city homebuyers who have been up in arms over the delay in delivery of flats are facing difficulty to seek relief as Rajasthan Real Estate Regulatory Authority (Raj.RERA) has failed to dispose of cases within the stipulated time.

According to the rules prescribed under the Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act, 2016, authority must dispose of complaints within the stipulated period of 60 days. However, there are instances where homebuyers are waiting for months and still their complaint has not been resolved.

Madhu Jonwal, who booked a flat in a housing scheme in Jai Singh Pura, was expecting to take possession in January 2022 as committed by the developer. The developer fraudulently took signatures of her on the documents that the flat had been handed over. However, till date, the flat is not in livable condition.

Mohit Chaudhary, who is contesting her case said, “Once complaints are filed, RERA sends notices to respondents and fixes dates for hearing. We filed a complaint against the developer in RERA in July. Despite the notices were issued to the developer, further process was not initiated, and notices were re-issued. The constant delay in justice indirectly benefits the developers.”

Jonwal is not the only one. As complaints piled up, the stakeholders believe they don’t have much hope for timely respite. “Due to increased number of cases filed before RERA, even the fresh complaints are listed for the first hearing after almost 3-4 months from the date of filing of complaint. Even then the builders do not file the reply and seek further time for submitting the reply. Cases are dragged for the long time, which further aggravates the sufferings of the homebuyers,” said Mohit Khandelwal another lawyer.

A senior RERA official said, “The process is delayed as respondents (developers) do not file a timely reply. In such a situation, RERA has no option other than to wait as developer also have the right to be heard.”

Sources at RERA said there are three members on the panel to hear and dispose of cases. However, the pendency has occurred as only one member at a time is hearing cases. “There should have been three benches, but only one bench is functioning at a time. Supreme Court in its direction has allowed the panel member to hear the cases separately. But this system is not adopted at Raj- RERA.”