NEW DELHI: The Delhi State Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission has ruled that DLF Gayatri Developers is responsible for the delays in their housing project and for retaining the complainant’s funds for an extended period.
The panel, headed by presiding member Bimla Kumari, ordered a refund of ₹15 lakh along with compensation for mental distress and legal costs totaling ₹1.5 lakh. The commission noted that the company had no right to utilize or withhold the complainant’s money, underscoring that the developer was obligated to secure labor for project completion.
The commission observed that the complainant had paid approximately 75% of the total cost within 11 months of booking, up until September 2013, while possession was only granted in 2019. The developer was deemed accountable for the project delay.
In October 2012, the complainant applied for a residential plot in DLF Gayatri Developers’ Garden City project in Andhra Pradesh. A booking fee of ₹1.2 lakh was made, with the developer promising possession within 24 months from booking.
By April 12, 2014, the complainant had paid a total of ₹14,66,304. However, a visit to the project site revealed a lack of development and serious quality concerns. Despite raising these issues via email in December 2017, no corrective action was taken by the developer.
The complainant highlighted that other buyers received compensation, yet he was denied similar treatment. After issuing a legal notice that went unaddressed, he approached the Delhi State Commission in January 2020 for suitable compensation.
The developer contended that the delays were due to the Telangana movement in Andhra Pradesh and the lengthy process for statutory approvals. They also claimed that possession was offered to the complainant via a letter dated May 2, 2019, and accused him of defaulting on installment payments and of refusing to sign the allotment letter.
