The District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission, UT, has imposed a fine of Rs 1 lakh on the Greater Mohali Area Development Authority (Gmada) for delay in handing over possession of a plot in Sector 83, Mohali, for more than three years.
Rahat Khanna, a resident of Sector 49, said the Gmada had opened a scheme offering 750 residential plots in IT City, Mohali. He said his application under ‘category A’ measuring 256.66 square yards was selected in a draw of lots held on September 21, 2016. He paid Rs 59,00,678 to the Gmada and was given an allotment letter on December 29, 2020.
He said he was allotted plot number 1251, Sector 83, Alpha, Block B, Sector 83. He said it wasstated as per a clause, the physical possession of the plot was to be handed over to the allottee within one year from date of issuance of the letter. Khanna alleged despite making the payment, the Gmada failed to hand over possession of the plot.
In its reply, the Gmada said Khanna was offered possession of plot vide allotment letter on December 29, 2020.
The Gmada said between the date of issuance of letter of intent till the offer of possession of plot, Khanna was not satisfied with development works. The Gmada said as per a clause, Khanna could have refused the offer within 30 days, and in that case the amount could have been considered to be refunded, but after accepting possession of the plot, he could not raise issue of delay in delivery.
The forum said there was a delay of more than three years. The forum directed the Gmada to pay interest on the deposited amount at 9% per annum, pay Rs 1 lakh as compensation and Rs 35,000 as cost of litigation.