CREDAI-MCHI secures SC relief for 493+ stalled projects; EC mechanism restored, boosting affordable & mid-income housing in MMR & Pune

Mumbai, August 6, 2025 : In a major legal victory for the real estate sector, the Hon’ble Supreme Court today disposed of W.P.(C) 166/2025 – Vanashakti vs Union of India, a case initiated by CREDAI-MCHI, the apex body of real estate industry in MMR, reaffirming that the State Environment Impact Assessment Authority (SEIAA) and State Expert Appraisal Committee (SEAC) shall continue to remain the competent authorities for project-level environmental assessments.

This landmark ruling brings long-awaited relief to over 493 projects stalled in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR) and Pune, affecting more than 70,000 housing units, particularly in the affordable and mid-income segments. The judgment removes regulatory ambiguity that had severely impacted project approvals, construction timelines, and homebuyer confidence.

The Supreme Court has also struck down key portions of the 2014 and 2016 notifications — specifically Clause 14(a) and Appendix 16 — that had sought to introduce an Environmental Cell under local authorities, a move that would have led to confusion and potential overlaps in jurisdiction. Additionally, the court rejected the differential regulatory treatment for industrial sheds and educational buildings under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, underscoring the need for uniformity in environmental regulation.

Domnic Romell, President, CREDAI-MCHI, said, “This judgment is a direct result of CREDAI-MCHI’s proactive legal intervention to protect the interests of our members and the thousands of homebuyers impacted by stalled projects. We initiated this petition to bring clarity to an increasingly complex and ambiguous environmental clearance process, and we are grateful that the Hon’ble Supreme Court has upheld the role of SEIAA and SEAC as competent authorities.

This is a monumental relief for Maharashtra’s real estate sector. We thank our legal team, senior counsels, and the leadership across CREDAI who stood firmly behind this initiative. This victory reflects the strength of united industry advocacy and our resolve to drive meaningful reform.”

This judgment is the outcome of a sustained legal initiative by CREDAI-MCHI, reinforcing the association’s ongoing commitment to regulatory clarity, timely project delivery, and safeguarding the interests of both developers and homebuyers.

The official order is awaited and will be uploaded shortly.

ABOUT CREDAI-MCHI

CREDAI-MCHI is an apex body comprising members from the Real Estate Industry in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR). With an impressive membership of over 1800+ leading developers in MMR, CREDAI-MCHI has extended its reach throughout the region, establishing units in various locations such as Thane, Kalyan-Dombivli, Mira-Virar, Raigad, Navi Mumbai, Palghar-Boisar, Bhiwandi, Uran-Dronagiri, Shahapur-Murbad, and most recently in Alibag, Karjat-Khalapur-Khopoli, and Pen. Being the only Government-recognized body for private sector developers in MMR, CREDAI-MCHI is dedicated to promoting the industry’s organization and progress. 

As a part of CREDAI National, an apex body of 13000 developers across the nation, CREDAI-MCHI has emerged as a preferred platform for regional discussions on housing and habitat by establishing close and strong ties with the government. It is committed to breaking barriers to create a strong, organized, and progressive real estate sector in the MMR.The vision of CREDAI-MCHI is to empower the Real Estate fraternity of the Mumbai Metropolitan Region as it preserves, protects, and advances the right to housing for all. To continue being a trusted ally, guiding their members, supporting the Government on policy advocacy, and assisting those they serve through the ever-evolving real estate fraternity.

Website: https://mchi.net/