NCDRC Directs Sahara Developers To Refund And Compensate Homebuyer

The National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission (NCDRC) has directed Sahara Developers to pay Rs 2 lakhs as compensation plus refund of Rs 4.06 lakhs to a homebuyer who hasn’t been given possession of property even after 10 years. Calling it a 'deficiency of service', the developer firm has also been directed to refund the amount at 10 per cent interest and also pay Rs 25,000 towards litigation charges, to the aggrieved homebuyer.

The homebuyer had booked a flat in Sahara Prime City Limited on February 10, 2006 and the unit was allotted to her in August 2009. However, her allotment was cancelled when she fell ill. When she recovered and went back to the developers, they had refused to give her the possession of the unit despite her being willing to pay the due. "We find it a fit case to award an additional compensation of Rs 2 lakhs for the mental agony and the financial loss suffered by the complainant as more than 10 years had lapsed and till date the possession could not be given," the NCDRC  observed.

Back in 2013, the Rajasthan Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission had asked Sahara Developers to refund Rs 4.06 lakh to the buyer at an interest of 12 per cent plus another Rs 1 lakh to compensate for the costs incurred.