At the ‘Law Offices of Kr. Vivek Tanwar Advocate and Associates,’ our expertise in real estate law extends to an in-depth understanding of the Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act, better known as RERA. This legislation has been pivotal in shaping the real estate landscape in India, providing a legal framework that both protects homebuyers and sets standards for developers. In this article, we delve into a specific legal case, Geetanjali Aman Construction v. Hrishikesh Ramesh Paranjape, which revolves around Section 3 of RERA. This case analysis offers insights into how the courts interpret and apply the provisions of RERA in real-world scenarios.
Case Analysis: Geetanjali Aman Construction v. Hrishikesh Ramesh Paranjape
In the case of Geetanjali Aman Construction v. Hrishikesh Ramesh Paranjape, the central dispute centered on Section 3 of RERA, specifically concerning the mandatory registration of real estate projects. Section 3(2) of RERA is a key clause in question, which states that projects need not be compulsorily registered if their area does not exceed 500 square meters or if their building has no more than eight stories. However, a violation of this provision resulted in a hefty fine of Rs. 30 lakhs imposed on the defendant.
The crux of the argument presented by the defendant rested on the interpretation of the “or” condition as opposed to the “and” condition. The defendant contended that the first requirement, pertaining to the area not exceeding 500 square meters, was met. Still, the complainants argued that since there were approximately 22 flats and 9 stories in the project, the second requirement was breached.
The court was tasked with determining how to construe Section 3(2) of RERA. Ultimately, the court’s ruling established that Section 3(2) should be interpreted in its most literal sense, requiring developers to meet both conditions to be exempt from mandatory registration. Consequently, the developer was directed to pay the Rs. 30 lakhs fine and register the project within a month.
CONCLUSION:
The case of Geetanjali Aman Construction v. Hrishikesh Ramesh Paranjape underscores the significance of precise interpretation and compliance with RERA provisions. It reinforces the need for developers to fully understand and adhere to the regulations stipulated in RERA. This case analysis serves as a reminder of the legal responsibilities and consequences that both builders and homebuyers must consider within the ambit of RERA, contributing to a more transparent and equitable real estate environment.
Written by : Adv. Anjali Bablani