Pune-based NGO urges buyers to take action against erring builders

Pune-based Sajag Nagrik Manch (SNM) has appealed to homebuyers to file cases against those builders who try to harass them while handing over the flats.

The manch that has been receiving complaints on this issue from gullible buyers organised a meeting on Sunday that was attended by nearly 200 citizens.

The deliberations revolved around creating awareness among people about the Maharashtra Ownership Flats Act (MOFA), 1963, and the provisions under this Act.

The retired assistant commissioner of police, Kashinath Talikar, explained the provisions of the Act to the people who were unaware about the details of it and hence failed to take action against the builders.

SNM founder and RTI activist Vivek Velankar said that though the Indian Penal Code (IPC) has provisions of a law that can take actions against these builders, people are ignorant about it.

“Under the MOFA Act, an aggrieved buyer can drag the errant builder to court and if proved guilty the latter can be put behind bars. Most flat buyers do not know about the provisions of this Act,” Velankar told DNA.

“It is the responsibility of the builders to ensure that the flat purchaser is provided with all the requirements promised to him. They cannot shy away from their responsibilities,” Velankar said.