Dr. B.C. Gupta, Presiding Member—This first appeal has been filed under section 19 read with section 21(a)(ii) of the Consumer Protection Act, 1986 against the impugned interim order dated 08.08.2016, passed by the Punjab State Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission (hereinafter referred to as ‘the State Commission’) in consumer complaint No. 21/2016, vide which, the Appellant/OP has been denied the opportunity to file their written reply to the consumer complaint, filed by the present respondent on the ground that the appellant/OP failed to file the said reply within the period stipulated under section 13 of the Act.

2. The learned counsel for the appellant has been heard in detail. The record of the State Commission was also called and has been examined.

3. The respondent/complainant Anu Singla filed the consumer complaint No. 21/2016 against the appellant/OP, alleging delay and deficiency in service on the part of the appellant/OP in handing over the flat booked by her in their housing project. She demanded physical possession of the flat in good condition alongwith compensation, or to refund the money deposited by her alongwith interest. The said complaint was heard by th