Penalty Imposed on 6 Builders for Not Having QR Codes in Ads–MahaRERA

The MahaRERA charged a fine of around Rs. 2 lakh on six real estate builders as they failed to print the mandatory QR code on the advertisements of the projects. In 107 cases, builders could not print or display OR codes in ads. Out of these, 74 developers were sent notice.

Maharashtra Real Estate Regulatory Authority (MahaRERA) made it necessary for real estate developers to add QR codes in every advertisement of the real estate project since 1 August 2023. This QR code will have all the required information regarding the project.

After reviewing 25 cases (the MMR projects), the regulatory authority has initiated proceedings against six builders with a Rs. 2 lakh fine. However, in a few instances, the promoter contended that the advertisements were released without their consent. In response, MahaRERA advised the promoter to file a complaint with the cybercrime cell.

An advocate, Avinash Pawar, said, "It's a good move to impose a penalty on promoters for not displaying QR codes. However, before making new rules, MahaRERA needs to have the machinery to ensure the recovery of penalties imposed earlier and also ensure the implementation of earlier orders for compensation, interest and refund. The state should also fill up vacancies in MahaRERA as thousands of cases are waiting to be disposed of".

MahaRera has been overseeing advertisements in newspapers and on various online and social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, among others.

This step of MahaRERA works in the favour of buyers and increases the transparency regarding every project.