Builder to compensate for defective construction

The UT Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission has upheld the decision of the district forum of Muktsar wherein a builder was directed to pay Rs 80,000 for defective construction.

The UT Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission has upheld the decision of the district forum of Muktsar wherein a builder was directed to pay Rs 80,000 for defective construction. The case dates back to 2001 when the complainant moved the consumer forum.

Raja Singh said in his complaint that he engaged one Hakam Singh for the construction of his house and paid him Rs 28.50 per square feet for the purpose.

The complainant said he was working as a schoolteacher and was thus unable to supervise the construction,which he alleged had a number of shortcomings. The steps of the stairs were uneven in height and spacing was not proper,the beams were also not of requisite strength and the roof developed cracks soon.

The complainant said due to the deficiencies,his house presents a poor look and alleged that the defects occurred due to the negligence and hasty manner in which the work was done.

In its decision,the Muktsar district forum had directed the builder to pay Rs 80,000 compensation and Rs 2,000 as litigation expenses to the complainant.

The builder had pleaded that he was working under Singhs direct supervision and a defect should have been pointed out. He appealed against the order on these grounds.

The UT State Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission said the forum relied on the report of the local commissioner who was working as SDE at that time. The order of the district forum cannot be accepted as erroneous being based on the report of an expert and taking into account the number of defects enumerated in it. The impugned order is upheld and the appeal is dismissed, added the commission.

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