“Better Abolish This Institution”: Why Homebuyers Have Come to Believe RERA Works for Promoters

A practitioner’s case for a complete overhaul of the real estate regulatory architecture, prompted by the Supreme Court’s February 2026 remarks on the effectiveness of the Real Estate Regulatory Authorities (RERA).

The article identifies five problems: hearings conducted online without a visible Bench, the collapse of the 60-day statutory timeline, widespread non-compliance with Section 13 (registered agreements for sale), weak enforcement of orders, and the composition of the authorities. It argues that abolition is not the answer, and proposes six reforms including mandatory registration of the agreement for sale within fifteen days of any booking, dedicated recovery officers, and judicial members on every Bench.