The Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act, 2016 (RERA) establishes the RERA Appellate Tribunal to address disputes and appeals related to real estate transactions. Here’s an overview of the role and functions of the RERA Appellate Tribunal: 1. Hearing Appeals: The primary role of the RERA Appellate Tribunal is to hear appeals against the decisions or orders made by the Real Estate Regulatory Authority (RERA) or the adjudicating officer. The Tribunal provides an avenue for aggrieved parties, such as homebuyers, promoters, or real estate agents, to contest RERA's decisions. 2. Ensuring Fairness and Justice: The Tribunal serves as a quasi-judicial body, ensuring that decisions made by RERA are fair and just. It reviews the facts and legal aspects of each case to uphold the principles of natural justice. 3. Dispute Resolution: The Tribunal plays a significant role in the resolution of disputes arising out of real estate transactions, including issues related to project delays, misrepresentation, and violations of contractual obligations. It helps in providing quick and effective remedies to parties involved in real estate disputes, promoting transparency and accountability in the sector. 4. Expediting Real Estate Matters: The Tribunal aims to expedite the adjudication process for real estate matters, addressing the backlog of cases and ensuring timely resolutions to enhance consumer confidence in the real estate market. 5. Power to Pass Orders: The Tribunal has the authority to pass interim orders and final judgments based on the appeals filed. It can issue directions for the compliance of RERA’s orders and ensure that affected parties receive appropriate relief. The Tribunal can impose penalties for non-compliance with its orders and may also order the refund of amounts to homebuyers in cases of wrongful actions by promoters. 6. Judicial Precedents: Decisions made by the RERA Appellate Tribunal can serve as judicial precedents for future cases, contributing to the development of real estate law and promoting consistency in the interpretation of RERA provisions. 7. Composition: The Tribunal typically consists of a Chairperson, who is a retired High Court judge, and other members with expertise in real estate and legal matters. This composition ensures that the Tribunal has the necessary legal and practical knowledge to address real estate issues effectively. 8. Appeal Process: The appeal must be filed within a specified time frame (usually within 60 days) from the date of the order of RERA. The Tribunal conducts hearings and may call for additional evidence if required. 9. Regulatory Framework: The Tribunal operates under the framework established by RERA and is guided by the principles of administrative law, ensuring transparency, accountability, and fairness in its proceedings. Conclusion: The RERA Appellate Tribunal plays a crucial role in safeguarding the rights of homebuyers and promoting accountability in the real estate sector. By providing a platform for dispute resolution and ensuring that RERA’s orders are justly reviewed, the Tribunal contributes to the overall objective of enhancing transparency and consumer protection in real estate transactions.