Failure to hand over flat lands firm in soup

The State Consumer Dispute Redressal Commission has pulled up a Sion-based realty firm that failed to hand over possession of a Kurla flat booked by a couple in 2006.

The forum directed the firm to pay Rs 15,53,250 — of the total amount of Rs 16,35,000 — which the complainant had paid towards the cost of the flat, with 21 per cent interest from 2013.

The couple, Sheetal and Sherya Gandhi, had booked a flat in Sterling Apartments. The execution of the agreement was completed in October 2006, and the firm promised to hand over possession of the flat within four months.

When the forum asked the realty firm to file its reply, they maintained that the amount was not paid on time. "We find that the interest from the date of filing of complaint which is August 2013, will be granted till handing over possession. The rate of interest will remain at 21 per cent per anum," the order copy states.

The commission further held, "We find that the complainants have booked the flat in 2006 and have paid more than 50 per cent of the amount. The complainants must have suffered mentally and hence, for that they are entitled for some compensation. The firm should pay Rs 1 lakh as compensation to the couple."