On September 29, 2023, the Maharashtra Real Estate Regulatory Authority (Maharera) took a stringent stance by issuing show cause notices to 74 developers, with 49 hailing from Pune and 25 from Mumbai. These notices were issued due to the developers' failure to include mandatory QR codes in their housing project advertisements, as required by a regulation implemented by Maharera since August 1. The directive extends not only to traditional print advertisements but also encompasses digital platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. In light of the 107 identified cases of non-compliance, 25 hearings have been completed, leading to fines totaling 2 lakhs imposed on six of the developers. Furthermore, Maharera is actively pursuing an additional 33 developers who will receive similar notices. Responding to these developments, some developers have disclaimed authorizing the advertisements in question, prompting Maharera to direct them to file cybercrime cases against those responsible for the unauthorized ads.
This comprehensive approach by Maharera underscores their commitment to enforcing regulatory compliance in the real estate sector. The recent crackdown on developers failing to incorporate QR codes in their advertisements serves as a stern reminder of the authority's dedication to ensuring transparency and consumer protection within the housing market.