In Brief
The administrative confusion hindering the redevelopment process of thousands of housing societies in the state has finally ended with a decisive order from the High Court.
Prior permission from the sub-registrar is not required for redevelopment or self-redevelopment.
This decision is not just a legal matter, but a victory for the freedom of decision-making for the members.
The administrative confusion that was hindering the redevelopment process of thousands of housing societies in the state has finally ended with the decisive order of the High Court. The court has clearly stated that prior permission from the sub-registrar is not required for redevelopment or self-redevelopment. This decision is not just a legal matter, but a victory for the freedom of decision-making of the members. According to the circular issued by the state government in 2019, there was a condition that approval from the sub-registrar must be obtained for redevelopment. Due to this decision, many projects were stalled, members remained confused, and the possibilities of corruption increased. Finally, the court, striking down this circular, firmly stated, “Sub-registrars do not have the authority to interfere in the redevelopment process.” Along with this, instructions have also been given to withdraw the old circular.
This decision empowers the autonomy of housing societies. The registrar will now only check whether members received the meeting notice on time and whether the selection of architects or consultants was done transparently. They will not be able to interfere in the original redevelopment decision. Federation President Suhas Patwardhan welcomed this decision, saying, “This decision strengthens the freedom of members' decisions and curbs corruption.”
Around 1.26 lakh housing societies and two lakh societies in the state will directly benefit from this decision. Nearly half of the societies are currently in the process of redevelopment or self-redevelopment. Therefore, this decision will be a new breath for thousands of members. Redevelopment is not just about building construction, but it is a matter of trust, transparency, and autonomy for the members. This court order also sends a message to the government. The rights of the members are greater than any administrative conditions.
Now the responsibility lies with the societies to maintain a transparent process, inform the members, and keep the redevelopment journey free from corruption. If this is achieved, this court decision will become a symbol of transformation in the housing sector of Maharashtra.