Consumer panel raps developers, ordersrelief to senior citizen in plot registration row

Dharwad: The District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission, Dharwad, has granted relief to a senior citizen who was denied registration of a residential plot despite making substantial payment towards its purchase.Mallamma Doddagoudar, a resident of Haliyal Naka in Dharwad, had booked Plot No. 19 in the Golden City layout being developed at Sutagatti village. The plot was priced at Rs 6.2 lakh, and she had paid Rs 4.1 lakh towards its cost, with the remaining amount due at the time of registration.According to the complaint, while the developers executed sale deeds in favour of other plot purchasers, they failed to register the plot in Mallamma’s name.

She claimed that despite being ready to pay the balance amount and repeatedly approaching the developers, they neither accepted the payment nor completed the registration process.Aggrieved by the delay, Mallamma approached the Dharwad District Consumer Commission, alleging deficiency in service under the Consumer Protection Act.After hearing the case, Commission Chairperson Eshappa Bhute observed that documentary evidence clearly established that the complainant had booked a plot in the Golden City layout and had paid a substantial portion of the consideration amount.

The developers also admitted receiving the payment.The Commission held that the failure of the developers to execute the sale deed despite the complainant’s willingness to pay the remaining amount amounted to deficiency in service.In its order, the Commission directed the developers to allot any one of Plot Nos. 14, 21, 38 or 39, each measuring 520 square feet, to the complainant and execute the sale deed after collecting the balance consideration amount within one month.The Commission further stated that if the developers fail to comply with the order, the complainant can deposit the balance amount before the Commission, which will appoint a commissioner to execute the sale deed on her behalf.The developers have also been directed to pay Rs 50,000 as compensation for the hardship and mental agony caused to the complainant, along with Rs 10,000 towards litigation expenses.