Maharashtra Government Halts Registration of Illegal Flats to Combat Fraud

Mumbai, October 13 (Daily Kiran) : The Maharashtra government has taken a significant step to curb fraud in flat purchases and unauthorized construction. Starting Tuesday, the registration of documents related to illegal buildings has been suspended across the state. This decision follows directives from Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and was announced by Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule.

Under the new guidelines, the registration of agreements for the first sale of flats built against regulations, along with sale documents, deeds of apartments, and transfer deeds, will no longer be permitted. Additionally, flats constructed beyond the approved area in building plans will also face registration bans.

During a meeting on September 22, 2026, chaired by the Revenue Minister, it was revealed that some areas in the state were witnessing construction projects being sold without the necessary approvals from competent authorities. There were also reports of flats being sold that exceeded the area specified in approved plans. This malpractice has led to financial losses for buyers, prompting the government to implement these measures.

The government has instructed all sub-registrar officials to refrain from registering unauthorized constructions. According to regulations, any project must include necessary documents for the first sale agreement, purchase documents, or transfer deeds.

If a project requires registration under Section 3 of the Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act, 2016, it must present a registration certificate from RERA, an occupancy certificate, and an approved plan detailing the flat’s area. Conversely, if RERA registration is not necessary, it must provide construction permission or a commencement certificate, an approved plan, a zone certificate, and a measurement plan.

Should any documentation indicate a flat’s area exceeding the approved plan, registration will be denied. The government has made it clear that any sub-registrar who knowingly registers documents for illegal constructions contrary to these guidelines will face departmental investigations.