MOHALI: In a significant development for buyers who have been waiting nearly a decade, the Real Estate Regulatory Authority (RERA) of Punjab has ordered a private developer to hand over possession of a commercial shop-cum-office (SCO) in Sunny Enclave, Sector 124, Mohali.
The ruling was prompted by a complaint from two residents of Mohali, Santosh Machagalath Krishnan and Nisha Puliyoth Nandanan of Sector 125, who claimed they had paid the full cost of the unit and completed all necessary paperwork, yet had not received physical possession.
The complainants had booked SCO no. 178, spanning 62.22 square yards in High Plaza Market, on December 22, 2012. An agreement to sell was finalized three days later, with the total cost set at Rs 31 lakh. However, the buyers ultimately paid Rs 36.48 lakh, exceeding the initial demanded amount, along with all associated fees.
By September 19, 2014, the conveyance deed was registered in their name and mutation recorded. Despite this, the project remained incomplete. The complainants contended that the developers did not issue the necessary partial completion or occupation certificates as required under Section 17 of the RERA Act. Despite multiple follow-ups, possession was never granted.
RERA Punjab issued notices to the builder, who failed to appear before the authority. On June 27, 2025, the case proceeded ex parte. The promoter did not dispute any evidence, and the documents presented by the buyers, including receipts, layout plans, and no-dues certificates, went uncontested. Their counsel pointed out the promoter’s clear statutory violations, entitling the allottees to interest compensation.
After reviewing the records, RERA directed the developers to provide possession of SCO no. 178 within three months, ensuring it complies with the terms of the conveyance deed, and to pay interest for the entire delayed period as specified under Rule 16 of the Punjab Real Estate Rules, 2017. The buyers are expected to take possession within one month of the offer being issued.
This order underscores RERA Punjab’s commitment to safeguarding homebuyers’ rights, particularly in situations involving unresponsive developers.
