The Maharashtra Real Estate Regulatory Authority (MahaRERA) has directed a developer to pay ₹5 lakh to a Mumbai homebuyer as compensation for mental agony and additional expenses arising from a prolonged delay in possession. As reported, the allottee had booked the flat in 2013 in a project at Oshiwara, Andheri (West), with possession originally promised in May 2016. In the intervening years, the buyer—who has chronic health issues—incurred rent for alternate accommodation while awaiting handover. After reviewing the matter, MahaRERA’s adjudicating officer concluded that the continued denial of possession and the resulting financial burden warranted a separate compensation award of ₹5 lakh in addition to interest already directed in an earlier order for the delay since 2016. The Authority also underscored that buyers and promoters should rely only on authentic approvals and orders that can be verified on official records.

Coverage of the ruling notes that MahaRERA had previously addressed the interest component for delayed possession, and this subsequent decision deals specifically with the hardship faced by the allottee. The case adds to a series of recent consumer-protection outcomes where regulators and tribunals have reiterated that handover must align with valid completion/occupancy certifications and that contractual timelines under the RERA framework should be observed. For homebuyers, the takeaway is to keep documented proof of expenses such as rent during delays and to verify project status and orders on MahaRERA’s portal before making further payments; for promoters, the ruling highlights the importance of transparent communications, adherence to statutory certifications, and timely possession to avoid accruing interest and compensatory liabilities. Overall, the decision reflects a procedural, records-based approach aimed at restoring confidence in the delivery process while providing targeted relief for delays that extend well beyond the promised possession date.