Mohali builder fined for failing to hand over flat to buyers

Chandigarh, September 6

The District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission has directed a Mohali-based builder to refund Rs50,000 booking amount to two city residents, along with Rs10,000 compensation, for failing to hand over possession of a flat to them.

The commission has also directed the developer to pay Rs7,000 as litigation expenses to the residents.

Indrani Goswami and Amalendu Goswami booked a one BHK flat on May 22, 2017, under the project, ‘Dara Kingdom’, at Sector 115, Mohali. The total value of the flat was Rs6,50,000, including service tax, etc. The complainants paid a booking amount of Rs50,000 to M/s Dara Buildtech and Developers Limited, Mohali, on July 10, 2017.

The complainants said the possession of the flat was to be handed over within two years, but they later discovered that there was no development work at the site. Besides, the realtor did not have the requisite permission/sanction from the competent authorities. The commission then sent a notice to the developer, but it failed to file a reply.

The court, in its order, said according to records, it was clear that the developer failed to start the project. Thus, the non-delivery of the unit to the complainants and non-refund of the amount on the part of opposite parties amounted to indulgence into unfair trade practice and a deficient act. — TNS