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Summary:

The Forum For People’s Collective Efforts (FPCE), a homebuyers’ body in India, is urging the Union Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs to amend the Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act (RERA) of 2016. The FPCE highlights critical gaps in the current legislation, leading to injustice for homebuyers. Key demands include: a mechanism to verify builders’ track records before project launches, guaranteed compensation for unfulfilled promises regarding facilities, and a uniform refund policy for cancellations. The FPCE also calls for stricter enforcement by RERA authorities, accusing them of inaction and a potential “nexus” with errant builders, undermining consumer trust. In the interim, the FPCE suggests issuing a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) to all RERA authorities.

News Article:

Homebuyers’ Body Demands RERA Amendments to Protect Consumers

New Delhi, October 26, 2025 – The Forum For People’s Collective Efforts (FPCE), a leading homebuyers’ association, is calling for significant amendments to the Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act (RERA) to better protect the interests of consumers in the Indian real estate market.

In a letter to Union Minister of Housing and Urban Affairs Manohar Lal, FPCE president Abhay Upadhyay outlined critical shortcomings in the existing legislation, arguing that they allow errant builders to exploit homebuyers with impunity.

“Builders are brazenly exploiting homebuyers — delaying projects, misappropriating funds, and violating agreements — right under the nose of RERA authorities,” Upadhyay stated.

The FPCE is demanding the introduction of a mechanism to verify a builder’s past performance before they are granted permission to launch new projects. Currently, RERA authorities do not check whether developers have cleared dues to allottees of previous projects or complied with orders from courts and other bodies. The association suggests mandatory declarations from promoters to confirm all dues have been paid. False declarations should lead to permanent bans from the real estate sector.

Furthermore, the FPCE is advocating for a legal provision to guarantee compensation for homebuyers when builders fail to deliver promised facilities and amenities. They also seek a uniform rule for refunds in cases of unit cancellations.

Upadhyay expressed strong concern about the perceived inaction of some RERA authorities. “Their silence and inaction, in the face of glaring violations, raise serious questions about regulatory will, and in some cases, suggest a troubling nexus that shields errant builders from accountability,” he said. He also notes, “the RERA registration number has failed to become a symbol of trust” for consumers.

While legislative amendments may take time, the FPCE urges the Ministry to issue a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) to all State RERA authorities, directing them to ensure builders deposit adequate funds in escrow accounts to complete pending facilities. The FPCE emphasizes that urgent action is needed to restore faith in the real estate sector and protect the rights of homebuyers across India.

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