MahaRERA tribunal in Pune on 8 September 2026 ruled that the Wagholi developer cannot cite jurisdictional changes as a valid excuse for delaying possession. The buyer had paid Rs 39.15 lakh of a Rs 41.85 lakh flat, signed in September 2022, with possession slated for December 2024. The builder argued that the 2022‑23 shift between PMC and PMRDA had stalled approvals, yet the buyer supplied a 30‑June‑2021 Urban Development Department notification confirming PMC jurisdiction and a RERA‑approved plan from January 2022.
Under Section 18 of the Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act, 2016, the tribunal held the developer liable for the delay and refused its goodwill offer of Rs 35,000. It ordered interest at SBI’s marginal cost of funds‑based lending rate plus 2% from 1 January 2025 until handover, and mandated the builder to secure an Occupancy Certificate before possession.
Aradhana Bhansali, senior partner at Rajani Associates, told ET that the buyer succeeded because possession was not delivered within the timeline set out in the sale agreement. The court’s decision underscores that administrative hurdles cannot absolve a promoter from its statutory duties.
The builder now faces a financial penalty and will be monitored for compliance. It may file an appeal, but must begin interest payments immediately.