The Telangana Real Estate Regulatory Authority (TG RERA) has penalised Hyderabad-based BhuvanTeza Infra Projects with a ₹6.45 lakh fine for marketing and selling units in an unregistered residential project named 'Happy Homes-1' located in Shamirpet. The regulatory action follows complaints from multiple homebuyers who alleged that the project was aggressively promoted and sold during its pre-launch phase between 2020 and 2023 without the required registration under the Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act (RERA).
The complaint was filed by Appam Kiran Kumar of Sumitranagar, Kukatpally, along with three other buyers. They accused the developer of using misleading claims and promotional materials to attract investments, including verbal assurances that approvals from the Hyderabad Metropolitan Development Authority (HMDA), TG RERA, and other relevant authorities were either already in place or would be secured soon.
According to the complainants, some buyers were made to register land parcels under survey numbers 685 and 686 in their names as a form of collateral. Development agreements were also signed to facilitate the pooling of undivided land shares for the proposed apartment project. However, despite these steps and payments made through cheques, cash, and digital means, often without formal receipts, there was no visible development on site.
Further investigation revealed that the project had not received any statutory approvals and remained stalled. Repeated requests by the buyers for refunds were allegedly met with evasive responses and, in some cases, intimidation. The complainants provided evidence that the project was not registered as required under Section 3 of the RERA Act, which mandates prior registration before any sale or marketing activity.
Taking cognisance of the violations, TG RERA directed the developer to pay a fine of ₹6.45 lakh within 30 days. In addition, the regulatory authority ordered BhuvanTeza Infra Projects to refund the full principal amounts received from each buyer. The refunds are to be processed within 90 days from the date of the order, and must include interest at the rate of 11% per annum, calculated from the respective dates of payment.
This case underscores the importance of regulatory compliance in the real estate sector and reinforces the rights of buyers under the RERA framework. It also highlights the persistent issue of unregistered pre-launch sales in the Hyderabad property market, despite repeated regulatory warnings.
TG RERA officials have urged prospective buyers to verify project registration details on the official portal before making any financial commitments. They have reiterated that no real estate project can be legally advertised, marketed, or sold without RERA registration. The authority continues to encourage homebuyers to come forward with complaints against erring developers to ensure accountability and transparency in the sector.
With this enforcement, TG RERA has sent a clear signal to developers and agents operating outside the legal framework. More such regulatory actions are expected as part of the authority’s drive to safeguard consumer interests and streamline project approvals across Telangana.
Image source- telangana.gov.in
