The Noida Extension Flat Owners Welfare Association (NEFOWA) has challenged the Real Estate Regulatory Act (RERA) rules notified by the Uttar Pradesh government.

Filing a writ petition in Allahabad High Court on Monday, the home buyers’ group sought for rules to be in line with those framed by the Centre, saying the diluted version would impact their interest payouts. “About 2.5 lakh home buyers are facing project delays in Noida and Greater Noida alone. If the new RERA law is not able to give them any relief, it will be cheating with them,” said Abhishek Kumar, president, NEFOWA.

Uttar Pradesh was among the first to have notified the RERA rules, though few of the important clauses were mitigated. The Uttar Pradesh government gave a new definition of ongoing projects and common areas, while diluting the penalty clauses.

Chief minister Yogi Adityanath had also assured home buyers he would notify fresh RERA rules in line with the Central law but the buyers claim they have seen no difference. “Home buyers are very disappointed with the pro-builder RERA rules notified by the state. Those who have been fighting for their delayed projects for so many years will be badly affected," said Kumar.

Another 21 petitions challenging the constitutional validity of RERA are already pending across several courts in the country. The Supreme Court on September 4 transferred all pending cases across various high courts challenging the validity of RERA are already pending across several courts in the country. The Supreme Court on September 4 transferred all pending cases across various high courts challenging the validity of RERA to Bombay High Court on a plea by the Centre. It also laid down a two-month timeline for a decision.