DHARWAD: The District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission, Dharwad, has provided relief to a senior citizen who was denied registration of a residential plot even after making a significant payment.
Mallamma Doddagoudar, a resident of Haliyal Naka in Dharwad, had booked Plot No. 19 in the Golden City layout in Sutagatti village for Rs 6.2 lakh, having already paid Rs 4.1 lakh, with the remainder due at registration.
According to her complaint, the developers registered plots for other buyers but failed to do so for Mallamma. Despite her repeated offers to pay the remaining balance, they neither accepted her payment nor completed the registration.
Frustrated by this delay, Mallamma turned to the Dharwad District Consumer Commission, alleging a lack of service under the Consumer Protection Act.
After reviewing the evidence, Commission Chairperson Eshappa Bhute noted that it was clear Mallamma had booked a plot and made a substantial payment, which the developers confirmed receiving.
The Commission found that the developers’ failure to complete the sale deed, despite her willingness to settle the balance, constituted a deficiency in service.
As a result, the Commission instructed the developers to allot one of the following: Plot Nos. 14, 21, 38, or 39—each measuring 520 square feet—and complete the sale deed after collecting the remaining payment within one month.
Furthermore, if the developers do not comply, Mallamma may deposit the remaining amount with the Commission, which will then appoint a commissioner to complete the sale deed on her behalf.
The developers have also been ordered to pay Mallamma Rs 50,000 as compensation for the distress and Rs 10,000 for legal expenses.
