The execution of recovery warrants issued by the Maharashtra Real Estate Regulatory Authority (MahaRERA) is moving at a painfully slow pace across the state, leaving thousands of homebuyers in financial distress. Official data reveals that authorities have managed to recover only about one-third of the total amount due to aggrieved allottees, highlighting a significant enforcement gap.
Statewide Recovery Data Paints a Grim Picture
As per the latest official figures, the total amount to be recovered stands at a staggering Rs 791.55 crore from 1,287 complaints. Against this, the recovery so far is a mere Rs 262.68 crore, which translates to just 33% of the dues. The district-level breakdown shows the extent of the problem in major real estate hubs.
Mumbai suburban district tops the list with the highest dues, amounting to Rs 351.75 crore from 479 complaints. However, only Rs 109.71 crore has been collected here. Mumbai city follows, with Rs 53.11 crore recovered against Rs 104.14 crore due from 47 complaints.
The situation in Pune is equally alarming. From a total due of Rs 195.91 crore arising from 274 complaints, only Rs 46.99 crore has been realised. Thane has recovered Rs 23.33 crore from Rs 74.63 crore due (237 complaints), while Raigad has managed Rs 9.51 crore against Rs 24.85 crore in dues from 119 complaints.
Homebuyers' Frustration Mounts Over Delayed Justice
Homebuyers awaiting the execution of these warrants have expressed deep frustration and helplessness over the inordinate delays. A Pune-based allottee, whose recovery warrant was issued nearly a year ago, stated that their money remains stuck as the collector's office has failed to act swiftly.
Another homebuyer, Rohit Wade, shared his ordeal, revealing that not a single rupee has been recovered despite multiple favourable orders. "As per the original agreement, the interest payable by the developer for delayed possession works out to about Rs 72 lakh. Even under MahaRERA's final order, around Rs 26 lakh in interest was fixed, but remains unpaid," Wade said. He added that the total interest due, calculated as per the order, now stands at approximately Rs 45.67 lakh.
Systemic Hurdles and Political Assurances
The responsibility for executing MahaRERA's recovery warrants under the Maharashtra Land Revenue Code lies with the district collectors. Officials involved in the process cite several reasons for the delays, including administrative workload, legal challenges posed by developers, and practical difficulties in attaching properties or freezing bank accounts.
Housing activists argue that the low recovery rate points to a systemic failure in enforcement. Pune-based activist S Joshi emphasized, "Recovering only around 33% of the ordered amount even years after warrants are issued shows the mechanism is weak. For homebuyers, a favourable order means little unless the money actually comes back."
The issue was raised during the recent monsoon session of the state assembly. In response, Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule assured the House that MahaRERA recovery warrants would be executed at the earliest. However, the current snail-paced progress on the ground starkly contradicts this political assurance, leaving homebuyers in a continued state of uncertainty and financial loss.
