Supreme Court Rules Homebuyers Must Choose Between RERA or Consumer Forum for Complaints

The Supreme Court ruled that homebuyers must choose either the Real Estate Regulatory Authority (RERA) or the Consumer Forum to file complaints against developers, but cannot pursue both for the same dispute. This decision, stemming from a Maharashtra case involving Rekha and Raj Kumar Hemdev and their builder, enforces the legal principle of 'election of remedies' to prevent forum shopping. RERA offers sector-specific, faster resolution without strict time limits, while Consumer Forums provide broader relief but with different procedural aspects.