Restore hybrid hearing within 4 weeks,Mumbai high court directs Maharastra Real Estate Regulatory Authority

In a significant move to improve access to justice, the Bombay High Court on Thursday, August 7, 2025, instructed the Maharashtra Real Estate Regulatory Authority (MahaRERA) to bring back hybrid hearings within the next four weeks. This decision means that people involved in MahaRERA cases will soon have the choice to attend hearings either in person at the authority’s office or virtually via video conferencing, offering greater flexibility and fairness.The court’s ruling came in response to a petition filed by Mayur Desai, who urged MahaRERA to not only restore hybrid hearings but also to promptly resolve pending execution and non-compliance cases, some of which have been stuck since March 2024. Justices Revati Mohite Dere and Neela Gokhale, who presided over the case, emphasized that true access to justice goes beyond just offering virtual options. “Access to justice is not merely about providing virtual access, but ensuring that parties also have the right to appear physically,” they stated, underscoring the importance of giving people the freedom to choose how they participate in legal proceedings.MahaRERA’s advocate argued that parties who prefer physical appearances could request permission from the relevant bench, which would then decide on a case-by-case basis. However, the judges expressed concern over MahaRERA’s insistence on sticking to virtual-only hearings, especially when most courts across the country, including the Bombay High Court itself, have adopted a hybrid model post-COVID-19. The justices found it “concerning” that MahaRERA had not kept pace with this shift, potentially limiting access for those who find virtual hearings challenging due to technical issues, connectivity problems, or a preference for in-person interaction.The court also directed MahaRERA to revisit its April 2025 circular and standard operating procedures to address several operational shortcomings. These include improving the process for urgently listing cases, handling non-compliance with orders, allowing case mentions (requests to bring up matters before the bench), and ensuring timely pronouncement and publication of reserved orders. This directive aims to make MahaRERA’s operations more efficient and responsive to the needs of homebuyers, developers, and other stakeholders in the real estate sector.This ruling is a win for those seeking greater accessibility and transparency in MahaRERA’s processes. By reinstating hybrid hearings, the authority will likely make it easier for people across Maharashtra—whether in urban centers like Mumbai or remote areas with limited internet access—to engage in legal proceedings. The decision also signals a push for MahaRERA to modernize its approach, aligning with broader judicial trends and addressing long-standing complaints about delays and procedural hurdles in real estate disputes. With the four-week deadline set, all eyes are now on MahaRERA to implement these changes swiftly and effectively.