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SUPREME COURT OF INDIA
Kuldip Singh & S.P. Kurdukar, JJ.
GHAZIABAD DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY—Appellant
versus
SANCHAR VIHAR SAHKARI AVAS SAMITI LTD., GHAZIABAD—Respondent
Civil Appeal Nos. 7199 & 7439 of 1995— Decided on 10.5.1996

Headnote:Consumer Protection Act, 1986, Section - 21 - Allotment of plots registered under the Self Financing Scheme-Charging of 15% on six half yearly instalments with penal interest on delayed payment of instalments - Complaint alleging charging of interest in violation of terms and condition-Claim for refund of Rs. 26,70,246 recovered by way of interest-Clause in the brochure when read with relevant column in the table stipulated charging of interest-Having acquiesced in mode of payment in instalments it would not be permissible for complainant to raise dispute as regards payment of interest-Finding of National Commission holding no interest payable was erroneous interpretation of brochure is unsustainable. (para 12)

       (ii) Consumer Protection Act, 1986 - Section 21 - Allotment of plots in housing scheme-Delay in delivery of possession-Interim orders were obtained by land owners and the authority was unable to finalise acquisition proceedings-National Commission made no mistake in refusing interest or damages for delayed possession.

       (Para 13)

       Result: Appeal by Authority allowed. Complainants appeal dismissed.

ORDER

S.P. Kurdukar, J.—These two appeals can be disposed of by this common order since they arise out of a judgment and order dated May 19, 1995 in Original Petition No. 345 of 1993 passed by the National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission, New Delhi (for short ‘National Commission’).

2. Civil Appeal No. 7199 of 1995 is filed by Ghaziabad Development Authority through its Vice Chairman whereas Civil Appeal No. 7439 of 1995 is filed by Sanchar Vihar Sehkari Avas Samiti Ltd., Ghaziabad (hereinafter referred to as the ‘complainant’)

3. The complainant is the Society Company, comprising of about 200 persons as its members. They have been allotted the plots under the scheme called G.D. A.‘s Govind Puram Plots/Housing, Code: 537, 538 and 539. It is averred in the petition by the complainant that the Ghaziabad Development Authority has violated the terms and conditions inasmuch as failed to put them in possession of the plots within the stipulated period as prescribed in Rule 15 of the brochure issued by the Ghaziabad Development Authority (hereinafter referred to as the ‘Authority’). It is further complained that the Authority has charged interest in contravention and in violation of Clause 3.50 of the brochure as these plots have been registered under the Self Financing Scheme. It is further averred that the Authority has also charged penal interest for delayed payment of the instalments. The complainant, therefore, prayed that the Authority to charge the same in view of Clause 3.50 which relates to Self Financing Scheme. The National Commission further held that the Authority is within its rights to charge penal interest for the delay in payment of instalments. Consistent with these findings the National Commission by its order dated May 19,1995 directed the Authority to refund the amount of interest charged @ 14% on the basis of Column 9 of Table 1 to the complainant. It is this order which is the subject matter of challenge in both these appeals.

4. Civil Appeal No. 7199 of 1995 is filed by the Authority challenging the order of the National Commission to the extent it directs the Authority to return the amount of Rs. 25,37,669 /- to the complainant. The complainant being partly aggrieved by the impugned order of Commission filed Civil Appeal No. 7439 of 1995 whereby it permitted the Authority to charge penal interest on delayed payment of instalments.

5. Heard learned Counsel for the parties and perused the materials on record. The entire controversy in both these appeals centres around the interpretation of Clause 3.50 and Column 9 of Table l, Annexure 1 of the brochure issued by the Authority. It is not disputed before us that the claimants’ claim be directed to give possession of the duly developed plots within three months from the date of order of this Commission; to refund the amount of Rs. 26,70,246.00 recovered by way of interest and penal interest on the instalments; and pay interest @ 18% per annum on the amount deposited with the Authority w.e.f. April 19, 1992.

6. The Authority filed its reply to the aforesaid complaint and stated that the plots have been allotted to the members of the complainant on 16.3.94 and the letters of allotment have been sent to them. As regards charging of interest, it is stated that Clause 3.50 of brochure relates to flats and houses built under Self Financing Schemes and the said clause does not apply to the plots. The Authority relied upon Column 9 in Annexure-1 of the brochure wherein it is provided that balance amount payable in six half yearly instalments with 15% interest. The Authority, therefore, prayed that the claim of the claimant is not sustainable and the complaint be dismissed.

7. The National Commission on perusal of the materials on record held that the complainant has made out no ground for awarding any interest or damages. The National Commission, however, opined that the Authority which has collected the interest amounting to Rs. 25,37,669/-as indicated in the complaint h














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