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2021 Supreme(Online)(Del) 4592

NATIONAL CONSUMER DISPUTES REDRESSAL COMMISSION, NEW DELHI
Shri P. S. Sethi, S.J.
Vinod Kumar Chopra and Ritu Chopra – Appellant
Versus
M/s. Ireo Grace Realtech Private Ltd. – Respondent
Consumer Complaint No. 62 of 2018



Advocates:
For the Complainants: Mr. Ram Phal Sheoran
For the Respondent: Mr. Sameer Chaudhary

Delay in possession and unfair contractual terms lead to a mandated refund with interest for allottees.

Headnote:(A) Consumer Protection Act, 1986 - Sections 21(a)(i) - Deficiency in service and unfair trade practices - Delay in possession of flats booked in project 'The Corridors' - Refund of amount paid by allottees - Developer failed to deliver possession despite multiple payments and extended timeframes. (Paras 1, 3, 11, and 13)

(B) Unfair Trade Practice - One-sided and unreasonable clauses in agreement deemed unfair - Developers cannot compel apartment buyers to accept burdensome contractual terms. (Paras 10)

Facts of the case:
The Complainants booked flats in a residential project but did not receive possession within stipulated timelines. They requested refunds citing deficiency of service.

Findings of Court:
Developer must refund the entire amount with 9% interest for delay and not deduct any earnest money due to defaults.

Issues: The primary issue addressed was the entitlement of the apartment buyers to a refund and the nature of the contractual terms.

Ratio Decidendi: The court asserted the inadequacy of compensation offered and recognized the unfair contractual terms, mandating the Developer to refund with interest.

Result: Complaint allowed.

Table of Content
1. delayed possession of booked flats. (Para 1 , 2)
2. claim for refund due to delays. (Para 3)
3. unfair terms in buyers' agreement. (Para 10)
4. mandated refund with interest. (Para 11 , 12 , 13)

1. The present Consumer Complaint has been filed under S.21(a)(i) of the Consumer Protection Act, 1986 (for short "the Act") by the Complainants, against the Opposite Party M/s. Ireo Grace Realtech Private Ltd. (hereinafter referred to as the 'Developer'), for refunding of money as the Opposite Party Developer failed to hand - over the possession of the Flat booked by them in the Project launched by the Developer in the name and style "The Corridor ", within stipulated period.

2. According to the Complainants, the facts of the case are that the Opposite Party Developer launched a Residential Housing Project in the name and style of "The Corridors" (hereinafter referred to as the 'Project') located at Golf Course Extension Road, Sector - 67 - A, Tehsil & District Gurgaon, Haryana. The Opposite Party Developer drawn very rosy picture of the Project and represented that it would be a unique project with world class amenities and assured timely delivery and lots more. Attracted by the representation and assurances given by the Opposite Party Developer, Vinod Kumar Chopra and Ritu Chopra (hereinafter referred as the Complainant Nos. 1 & 2) jointly booked a residential flat in the Project by paying a sum of 14,50,000 on 18.3.2013.The Complainant Nos. 1 & 2 were allotted Unit No. CD - A3-10-1003 having super area of 1,700 sq. ft.Ms. Shivani Ahuja (hereinafter referred to as the Complainant No. 3) also booked a residential flat in the said Project by paying a sum of 12,00,000 on 13.3.2013.The Complainant No. 3 was allotted Unit No. CD - C5-03-301 having super area of 1,300 sq. ft. As per demand of the Opposite Party Developer, the Complainant No. 1 & 2 and Complainant No. 3 made payment of 59,42,313 and 48,29,664.03 on different dates to the Opposite Party Developer towards their respective flats. Apartment Buyer's Agreements (hereinafter referred as the Agreement) were executed between the Parties. It is the say of the Complainants that the Apartments were originally booked @ 8,750 per sq. ft. but in the Agreement, the rate of booking was mentioned as 9,200 per sq. ft. and the super area of the flats booked by them were increased to 1920 sq.ft. and 1,592 sq.ft. respectively. It is the say of the Complainants that due to increase in size and change in price of the Apartment, the Complaints found themselves under - budget and requested the Developer to merge both the flats. Vide letter Adj. Memo / Corr / 00112 dated 30.12.2014, the Developer accepted the requests of the Complainants and Unit No. CD - C5-03-301, allotted to the Complainant No.3 was merged with Unit CD - A3-10-1003, allotted to the Complainant No. 1 & 2 and 48,29,664, i.e., the whole amount paid towards Unit No. CD - C5-03-301, was adjusted towards the cost of Unit No. CD - A3-10-1003 allotted to the Complainants No. 1 & 2. As per Clause 13.3. of the Agreement, the possession of the Unit was to be handed over within a period of 42 months from the date of approval of the building plans. Clause 13.3 of the Agreement reads as under:
"Subject to Force Majeure, as defined herein and further subject to the allottee having complied with all its obligations under the terms and conditions of this Agreement and not having defaulted under any provision(s) of this Agreement including but not limited to the timely payment of all dues and charges including the total Sale Consideration, registration charges, stamp duty and other charges and also subject to the Allottee having complied with all formalities or documentation as prescribed by the Company, the Company proposes to offer the possession of the said Apartment to the Allottee within a period of 42 (Forty Two) months from the date of approval of the Building Plans and / or fulfillment of the preconditions imposed thereunder











































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