Section 35: Powers of Authority to call for information, conduct investigations

Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act, 2016 • Official Statutory Text & Practice Guide

Statutory Regulation
Legal Standard
Competent Court / Tribunal
Act 2016

Legal Commentary & Landmark Judgments: Section 35

Section 35 vests the Regulatory Authority with extensive powers to call for information, conduct inspections, and initiate forensic investigations against promoters, allottees, or agents.

  • Suo Motu or Complaint Power: Authority may, either suo motu or on a complaint under Section 31, appoint one or more persons to conduct an inquiry into the affairs of any promoter, allottee, or agent.
  • Search & Production of Documents: Power to order production of books, escrow bank accounts, accounts registers, and municipal approvals at any time.
  • Civil Court Discovery Powers: Vested with the same powers as a civil court under CPC, 1908 regarding discovery, inspection, summoning witnesses, and examining on oath.
  • Impounding Documents: Power to impound and retain books of accounts and records for such period as it considers necessary.
Key Landmark Precedents:
  • Newtech Promoters and Developers Pvt. Ltd. v. State of U.P., (2021) 19 SCC 347: The Supreme Court recognized that the powers under Section 35 are broad and investigatory, authorizing RERA to unravel complex corporate layering and locate diverted homebuyer funds.
  • Bikram Chatterji v. Union of India, (2019) 19 SCC 161: The Supreme Court applied Section 35 principles to direct forensic audits that exposed siphoning of thousands of crores into shell entities by real estate promoters.
Courtroom Practice & Strategic Litigation Guidance:

When suspecting fund diversion, file a specific interim application under Section 35 praying for the appointment of an independent Forensic Auditor to inspect the promoter's Section 4(2)(l)(D) 70% escrow account.