The Maharashtra government has abolished the need for a “No Objection Certificate” (NOC) from the registrar of cooperative societies. The directive, issued this week by the State Cooperation Commissioner, follows a Bombay High Court order clarifying that the registrar’s role in redevelopment is supervisory, not regulatory.
The new circular effectively transfers full decision-making power to the general body of each cooperative housing society (CHS), marking a shift towards decentralised and member-led governance. The move is expected to remove long-standing bureaucratic bottlenecks that often delayed or derailed redevelopment proposals—particularly in Mumbai, where thousands of housing societies are struggling with deteriorating buildings and stalled projects.According to the circular, once a redevelopment proposal is received, the deputy registrar must appoint an authorised officer within 14 days to oversee a special general body meeting where the developer is selected. The officer’s duty will be limited to verifying quorum, recording proceedings, and ensuring procedural compliance. After the meeting, the society must submit the notice, agenda, members’ consent, minutes, and video recording to the registrar within 15 days for record-keeping.
Importantly, registrars have been explicitly barred from approving, rejecting, or modifying redevelopment decisions taken by the general body. If disputes arise, members must approach the Cooperative Court under Section 91 of the Maharashtra Cooperative Societies Act, 1960. Officials say this provision strengthens accountability while reducing opportunities for interference. Urban housing experts have welcomed the reform as a step towards greater transparency and efficiency. A senior legal advisor in cooperative law noted that registrars often used their NOC powers to delay projects or demand unofficial payments, sometimes amounting to ₹15,000–₹50,000 per flat. Eliminating this requirement, they said, would “restore trust and speed up both redevelopment and self-redevelopment initiatives.” The reform also aligns with Mumbai’s broader urban regeneration goals.
By empowering residents’ collectives, the new policy promotes participatory redevelopment—an essential principle for creating inclusive, sustainable, and resilient housing stock in high-density cities. Industry observers believe that the decision could unlock several stalled projects, catalysing self-financed redevelopment and easing pressure on municipal authorities to manage ageing infrastructure. While the circular simplifies administrative procedures, experts emphasise the continued need for capacity-building and professional guidance within societies to ensure that redevelopment is equitable and environmentally sustainable. Transparent decision-making and responsible planning, they argue, will be key to ensuring that the new autonomy translates into long-term urban resilience rather than short-term gains.
Registrar Role Cut In Mumbai Redevelopment Process
