The district consumer disputes redressal forum has slapped a penalty of Rs 2 lakh on a real estate company finding them deficient in services. Lured by the attractive advertisements of New Generation Real Estate Ltd,Ikbal Krishan Kapoor,with others,had purchased a flat in an upcoming project at Zirakpur in 2003. However,after finally moving into the flat in 2005,the owners complained of being made to live in slum-like conditions. Kapoor and other complainants contended that the complex was no abode for the elite as promised by the company. The entrance of the complex,New Generation Apartments was completely defaced and a park shown in the companys brochure was not present at all. It was also found that the company had misled the complainants by projecting in its advertisements that the housing project was approved by the government of Punjab. The company was also found to be non-registered with the government at the time when it came out with advertisements for the booking of its flats. The forum held New Generation Estate guilty for indulging in unfair trade practice as it projected to the complainants that the housing project under discussion was approved by the Punjab government whereas the scheme was awaiting approval from the authorities. The firm was also directed to supply the complainants with occupation and completion certificate which was still not made available despite several requests. It also directed the company to pay legal costs of Rs 10,000 to Kapoor and others. The forum also maintained that if the estate company failed to carry out the orders,it would be liable to pay double the compensation amount with an interest of 9 per cent.
