HRERA Panchkula and Town & Country Planning department Haryana in service of builders.

Gustakhi Maaf Haryana: Pawan Kumar Bansal

RERA Panchkula and Town & Country Planning department Haryana in service of builders

Justice for Homebuyers: Dr. Akhil Mahajan’s Fight Against Builder-Official Collusion and RERA’s Overreach

Faridabad-based crusader Dr. Akhil Mahajan has been tirelessly battling for the rights of middle-class homebuyers for over a decade. His ongoing struggle highlights the collusion between builders and government officials, which continues to undermine the interests of consumers. While the Town & Country Planning (TCP) department and the Real Estate Regulatory Authority (RERA) should be protecting homebuyers, Dr. Mahajan’s fight underscores how these bodies are failing in their duty, and even targeting those who dare to raise their voices.

Dr. Mahajan, a vocal critic of corruption and malpractice within the real estate sector, has been running from pillar to post in a long legal battle with government agencies. Despite his relentless efforts to expose the nexus between builders and TCP officials, he now faces an unexpected and troubling turn of events. In an unusual move, RERA Panchkula has requested the Haryana government to take action against Dr. Mahajan for his protests against the insertion of illegal conditions in the grant of RERA registration to Heritage Cottage Pvt. Ltd, a Faridabad-based developer.

The issue began when RERA, in violation of a court order (CWP 12971-2023), imposed conditions on the developer that were contrary to judicial directions. The Home Buyers’ Association, led by Dr. Mahajan, resisted these conditions and pointed out RERA’s failure to involve the main licensee during project registration. Instead of addressing these concerns, RERA authorities opted to target Dr. Mahajan, who had exposed their wrongdoing.

This strange and troubling development underscores the broader problem within the system, where authorities meant to protect consumers are instead acting against their interests. The bureaucratic red tape and opaque procedures followed by RERA and TCP make it increasingly difficult for homebuyers to seek justice. In fact, RERA’s convoluted and often arbitrary processes seem designed to create hurdles for homebuyers, further empowering builders who often have close ties with government officials.

Dr. Mahajan’s crusade has not only exposed the dysfunctional nature of these agencies but also brought to light the influence of retired IAS officers in the functioning of RERA. As pointed out by the Supreme Court, RERA posts are often used as “rehabilitation centers” for these officers, allowing them to continue their influence even after retirement. This “remote control” governance raises serious concerns about the independence and integrity of these regulatory bodies.

The time has come for a comprehensive overhaul of the RERA Act of 2016, which has proven to be a toothless tiger, primarily aiding builders and complicit officials while failing to safeguard the interests of homebuyers. As the real estate sector continues to be plagued by such injustices, Dr. Mahajan’s battle serves as a reminder of the urgent need for reforms to protect the hard-earned money of middle-class homebuyers and ensure that justice is not just a distant dream but a reality.