Written by: Express News Service
2 min readChandigarhMar 28, 2009 12:53 AM IST
First published on: Mar 28, 2009 at 12:53 AM IST
In response to a complaint lodged by a local resident against the Chandigarh Housing Board,the District Consumer Disputes Redressal Forum has observed: “Not mentioning the date of completion of housing projects after collecting money from people and delaying the project amount to unfair trade practice.”
In his complaint,Narinder Singh Yadav,of Sector 7,stated that he had applied for “One Bed Room Flats — Self Financing Housing Scheme — 2005” in Sector 49 and had deposited Rs 1.60 lakh as earnest money. After the draw of lots,he was given a first-floor flat costing Rs 12.90 lakh.
Even after having paid the remaining balance of Rs 11.30 lakh within the stipulated period of 30 days,the possession of the flat was not given to him. After having shelled out a considerable sum as rent every month for his accommodation,he alleged unfair trade practice on part of the CHB and asked for interest on the amount he had paid to them.
While denying any assurance given on the date of project completion,the CHB claimed that the complainant had also submitted an undertaking saying he would not claim any interest on the amount deposited.
The forum,however,observed: “When they collect money and issue an acceptance-cum-demand letter,it is necessary for them to inform the applicant on the tentative completion date.”
While ruling that construction work should have been completed within two years of allotment of tenders, the forum directed the CHB to handover the possession of the house,complete with all amenities,to the complainant by March 31,2009. If the possession is not handed over by this date,the forum ruled,the CHB will be liable to pay interest at the rate of 10 per cent per annum on Rs 12.90 lakh from April 1 till possession is given.
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