November 05, 2025: In a major relief for cooperative housing societies across Maharashtra, the state government has announced that no No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the registrar of cooperative societies will be required for redevelopment projects. The decision, formalised through a circular issued on Tuesday, aims to streamline and bring transparency to the redevelopment process.
State Cooperation Commissioner Deepak Taware stated, “We issued the circular as per high court guidelines and this will bring transparency in the redevelopment (of housing societies).”
The move follows a Bombay High Court order in a case involving the Bandra Nisha Cooperative Housing Society and the deputy registrar of cooperative societies, H-West Ward. The court ruled on October 17 that registrars do not have authority under the Maharashtra Cooperative Societies Act, 1960, or the 2019 government resolution, to issue or deny NOCs for redevelopment. “The registrar has no authority to approve or permit redevelopment,” the circular clarified. The court reaffirmed that the general body of a society is the ultimate decision-making authority in such matters.
As per the court’s directions, the registrar’s role will now be limited to appointing an authorised officer within 14 days of receiving a redevelopment proposal. This officer must attend the society’s special general body meeting to ensure due process, including verifying the quorum, conducting voting, and maintaining proper documentation. Failure to appoint an officer in time will invite disciplinary action.
Societies must submit meeting minutes, consent letters, and video recordings to the registrar within 15 days for record purposes. Any disputes must be taken directly to the cooperative court, not the registrar.
Legal expert Advocate Shreeprasad Parab hailed the reform, saying it “removes a major administrative hurdle” and empowers societies to pursue redevelopment or self-redevelopment without bureaucratic interference. The Mumbai Grahak Panchayat (MGP) also welcomed the circular, noting that it will curb corruption and expedite stalled projects.
Source: Hindustan Times
