• MahaRERA Managing Director’s Role Under Scrutiny

Unmesh Gujarathi
Sprouts Exclusive

In Bhandup’s Utkarsh Nagar, Mumbai, the 22-story Marathon Neo Skies building has become the epicenter of controversy. As many as 33 residents have filed complaints with the Maharashtra Real Estate Regulatory Authority (MahaRERA) against the builder, Suyog Developers, citing fraud and high-handed practices. This information was revealed by the Sprouts Special Investigation Team (SIT).

The residents’ association, ‘Marathon Neo Skies Sangharsh Samiti’, told Sprouts SIT that more residents plan to file complaints against the builder. Apart from Suyog Developers, Marathon Realty Private Limited and its Managing Director Mayur Shah—former president of MCHI-CREDAI—are named as respondents in the case.

The builder allegedly delayed handing over possession by 12 months beyond the agreed timeline in the contract. To cover up this delay, the builder reportedly forced residents to sign illegal “Declaration cum Undertaking” and “Consent Letters.” Residents invoked MahaRERA Section 18(1) to demand compensation via email, but their requests were outrightly rejected.

In response, the builder claimed via email that its policies do not include provisions for compensation. This defiance, despite clear provisions under MahaRERA laws, enraged residents, prompting them to ask, “Does your company think it’s above the law?” When the builder ignored these demands, residents were left with no choice but to escalate the matter to MahaRERA.

Also Read: Fraudulent Networks Exploiting OTS to Defraud Companies.

A Flawed Handing-Over Process

The builder promised possession by June 30, 2023, as per the agreement. However, possession began only eight to nine months after the deadline, and even then, the building’s construction remained incomplete. Additionally, the occupancy certificate has not yet been issued.

Frustrated by delays, residents began pressuring the builder, who eventually started handing over incomplete flats. However, this came with a condition: residents were forced to sign illegal consent letters, with threats that possession would be denied otherwise.

Mental Harassment and Financial Burden

Many residents had been living in rented homes while also paying EMIs for home loans. To avoid disrupting their children’s education, several parents had already enrolled their children in schools near Bhandup. These compound pressures forced residents to comply with the builder’s demands.

In their MahaRERA complaints, residents have demanded compensation for mental harassment, financial losses, and unnecessary legal expenses caused by the builder’s actions.

MahaRERA’s Managing Director Faces Questions

Efforts to reach MahaRERA Managing Director Manoj Saunik for comments on the case were unsuccessful.

This incident highlights the plight of homebuyers who are forced to navigate high-handed builders, systemic inefficiencies, and delayed legal redress, underscoring the urgent need for accountability and swift action to uphold residents’ rights.

Unmesh Gujarathi
Editor in Chief
sproutsnews.com
epaper.sproutsnews.com
businessnews1.com
moneynews1.com
twitter.com/unmeshgujarathi
https://www.linkedin.com/in/unmesh-gujarathi-4125481a/
Contact No.: 9322 755098