On 29th April 2025, the Hon’ble Supreme Court of India, in a significant sitting of Court No. 3, presided over by Justice Surya Kant and Justice Nongmeikapam Kotiswar Singh, heard a consolidated batch of matters arising from Special Leave Petition (Civil) No. 7649/2023, titled Himanshu Singh & Others vs. Union of India & Others. The proceedings stem from the judgment delivered by the Delhi High Court in W.P.(C) No. 1225/2021, dated 14th March 2023.
Background of the Case
The genesis of the matter lies in the grievances raised by various homebuyers and investors in the real estate sector, especially in the context of alleged malpractices, regulatory delays, and non-compliance by developers and administrative bodies. The petitioners have alleged systemic failures in the implementation of consumer protection safeguards under RERA (Real Estate Regulatory Authority) and other statutory frameworks. The petitions before the Apex Court have evolved into a multi-party litigation scenario involving complex factual matrices and questions of law.
Litigants and Legal Representation
This batch of cases is one of the most procedurally elaborate matters currently before the Supreme Court, reflecting widespread concern among aggrieved citizens.
- The lead petitioners, including Himanshu Singh and others, are represented by a team of advocates including Mr. Aditya Parolia, Mr. Akshay Srivastava, Mr. Piyush Singh, among others.
- Mr. Rajiv Jain, an experienced counsel, has been appointed as Amicus Curiae to assist the court impartially, highlighting the public interest nature of the litigation.
- A wide range of senior and junior advocates, as well as Advocates-on-Record (AORs), appeared for various parties, including intervenors, developers, and regulatory bodies.
Nature of Applications
The proceedings involve a multitude of Interlocutory Applications (IAs), each dealing with different procedural and substantive aspects, such as:
- Exemption from filing certified copies of impugned judgments
- Applications for permission to file additional documents
- Applications for intervention and impleadment by affected parties
- Applications for clarification and appropriate directions
- Condonation of delay in filing and refiling
In total, dozens of Special Leave Petitions and Writ Petitions have been tagged and clubbed together, underscoring the scale and urgency of the litigation. The consolidated list includes over 70 SLPs and several diary matters spanning 2023 to 2025, involving diverse legal issues related to real estate regulation, consumer rights, and administrative accountability.
Judicial Approach and Observations
The bench demonstrated a careful and structured approach in managing the extensive list of petitions. The Court has not passed any conclusive verdict on the merits of the individual cases at this stage. Instead, it is focusing on resolving preliminary procedural bottlenecks, allowing intervention of necessary parties, and streamlining the factual records for effective adjudication.
The appointment of Mr. Rajiv Jain as Amicus Curiae indicates the Court’s recognition of the broader implications of the case for the real estate sector and consumer protection law. His role will be pivotal in synthesizing arguments across cases and assisting the bench in developing a uniform judicial approach.
Public Interest and Policy Implications
This matter is emblematic of larger systemic issues in India’s urban development and real estate governance. Delays in possession, non-registration of projects under RERA, and the plight of middle-class homebuyers form the core of public concern. The involvement of multiple developers, all contesting or defending various High Court and RERA orders, further complicates the proceedings.
The Supreme Court’s handling of this litigation may eventually result in authoritative directions that could:
- Strengthen enforcement under RERA
- Lay down guidelines for developer accountability
- Streamline the redressal mechanisms for aggrieved consumers
- Clarify procedural routes for intervention and impleadment in public interest matters
Next Steps
As of the date of hearing, most of the IAs were listed for further examination. The matter is likely to be taken up in future dates for final hearing or interim directions. The Court is expected to consolidate similar legal issues for a unified decision to avoid conflicting judgments and reduce pendency.
Conclusion
The Himanshu Singh & Others vs. Union of India & Others matter is not merely about individual grievances but represents a broader judicial introspection into the functioning of India’s real estate regulation and consumer redressal mechanisms. The outcome of this case will likely have far-reaching consequences on jurisprudence involving mass litigations, administrative delays, and enforcement of statutory rights in the real estate sector.