A New Delhi resident, Mr Rajesh Jain, has been awarded Rs 1 lakh in compensation by the District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission for facing a 10-year delay in receiving possession of a plot in Mohali. This ruling came after Mr Jain filed a case against Ansal Properties and Infrastructure Limited, its chairman, vice-chairman, and authorised signatory based in Mohali, and M/s Ansal Lotus Melange Projects Private Limited, Mohali.
Mr Jain had booked a 250-square-yard plot in the company’s project, Ansal Golf Links, Mohali, for which he paid Rs 12.40 lakh and was issued an offer of allotment in January 2011. Despite his payments, he did not receive possession of the plot even after more than a decade of waiting, prompting him to seek redressal through the Consumer Commission.
The commission not only awarded Mr Jain Rs 1 lakh in compensation but also directed the builder to refund Rs 44,78,750 along with 9% interest per annum from the respective dates of deposit. Additionally, the builder is required to pay Rs 10,000 as litigation costs.
Mr Jain’s complaint highlighted the absence of a completion certificate and the failure of the builder to deliver possession despite repeated requests. Despite the builder’s claim the possession was offered in 2013, the commission ruled in favour of Mr Jain, citing the builder’s inability to withhold the deposited amount and the continuing cause of action for the allottee to seek a refund.
This ruling has sent a clear message to builders and developers that they will be held accountable for any lapses in fulfilling their obligation to home buyers. Mr Jain’s case stands as a testament to the power of consumer activism and the effectiveness of legal resources in seeking justice against errant developers.
