In a move that could significantly impact property disputes in the state, the Punjab and Haryana High Court has directed the Haryana government to explain the prolonged absence of appointed members in the Haryana Real Estate Appellate Tribunal (HREAT). This comes after a real estate developer filed a petition challenging a decision by the Haryana Real Estate Regulatory Authority (RERA).
Justice Rajbir Sherawat, presiding over the case, expressed concern that the tribunal currently only has a chairman, rendering it practically defunct. He issued a notice to the state government demanding an explanation for the delay in appointing members. The judge further questioned the state’s policy of not considering retired additional district judges for appointments to various tribunals, a practice followed in neighboring Punjab and other states.
This decision by the High Court is likely to have a cascading effect. The Haryana Real Estate Appellate Tribunal plays a crucial role in resolving disputes between homebuyers and developers. With a dysfunctional tribunal, cases are likely to languish, causing delays and frustration for all parties involved.
The High Court’s directive urging the state government to fill the vacancies and address the appointment policy could expedite the resolution of pending cases and ensure smoother functioning of the real estate regulatory mechanism in Haryana.
