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Citation Codes
Equivalent Citations
citation codes
Case Number
Attorney(S)
Acts
  • Act, and the provisions of Sections 15 to 20Sections 11 17 of the Civil Procedure Code,
  • Section 12 of the PAPR Act, read with Rule 17 of the Rules
  • SECTION 17 A CONSUMER PROTECTION ACT 1986
  • Property Regulation Act 1995. Change of Land
  • Property Regulation Act, 1995
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Cited by
Citation Codes
Equivalent Citations
citation codes
Case Number
Attorney(S)
Acts
  • Act, and the provisions of Sections 15 to 20Sections 11 17 of the Civil Procedure Code,
  • Section 12 of the PAPR Act, read with Rule 17 of the Rules
  • SECTION 17 A CONSUMER PROTECTION ACT 1986
  • Property Regulation Act 1995. Change of Land
  • Property Regulation Act, 1995
Smart Summary

Structured Summary of the Opinion — State Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission, U.T., Chandigarh

Factual and Procedural Background

This consolidated opinion disposes of two consumer complaints heard together because the issues and facts substantially overlap.

- Consumer Complaint No. 187/2019 (Ajay Prasher v. Ansal Properties & Infrastructure Ltd. & Anr.): Complainant booked a flat in the "Victoria Floors Golf Links II" project (application dated 23.04.2012; allotment and agreement documents referred). The complainant paid substantial amounts (Rs.38,54,826/- stated) but possession of the relocated unit (Unit No. B-191 or earlier reference to 0164-0-191) was not delivered by the contractual/committed date of 23.03.2017 (36 months: 30 months + 6 months). The complainant obtained a housing loan from HDFC under a subvention scheme; the builder allegedly defaulted on Pre-EMIs leading to adverse credit consequences.

- Consumer Complaint No. 235/2019 (Gurpreet Kaur & anr. v. Ansal Properties & Infrastructure Ltd. & ors.): Complainants booked an apartment (application dated 08.06.2011; allotment letter) in the same project (unit 0164-0-256 GF, 1395 sq.ft.) and paid substantial amounts (Rs.46,33,829/- stated) but possession was not delivered by the committed date of 04.03.2015 (36 months). They also availed a housing loan under a subvention scheme and allege builder default in payment of Pre-EMIs, forcing the complainants to pay.

Procedurally, the Commission directed common documentary production from the builder regarding registration, licences, CLU, approvals, completion/occupation certificates, photographs, list of directors, and assets. The builder failed to produce those documents despite repeated opportunities. Evidence (affidavits and documents) was filed by parties; hearings were conducted via video conferencing; counsel for all parties appeared.

Legal Issues Presented

  1. Whether the complainants qualify as "consumers" within Section 2(1)(d) of the Consumer Protection Act given the allegations by the builder that they purchased for resale or commercial purpose?
  2. Whether the builder's failure to deliver possession of the flats by the stipulated/committed dates amounts to deficiency in service and adoption of unfair trade practice?
  3. Whether time was the essence of the contract and, if so, whether delay without proof of force majeure entitles the allottee to remedies including refund?
  4. Whether the builder's failure to produce statutory permissions/approvals and other documents (after specific directions) justifies an adverse inference that the project was launched without required approvals under the Punjab Apartment and Property Regulation (PAPR) Act, 1995?
  5. Whether the directors (specifically Sh. Sushil Ansal) can be made personally liable where they were Whole Time Directors during the period of booking and payments?
  6. Whether jurisdictional clause in the agreement ousts the Commission's territorial jurisdiction when part of the cause of action arose within the Commission's territorial limits?
  7. What is the appropriate rate of interest to be awarded on amounts ordered to be refunded where possession has not been delivered?
  8. Whether there is a continuing cause of action, making the complaints maintainable despite delay or alleged limitation objections?

Arguments of the Parties

Complainants' Arguments

  • They booked specific units in the Victoria Floors Golf Links II project and paid substantial amounts toward the sale price.
  • Possession was not delivered by the committed contractual dates; construction and development works were deficient.
  • Under subvention schemes, the builder had undertaken to pay Pre-EMIs till possession; builder defaulted, adversely affecting complainants' credit.
  • Builder's acts constitute deficiency in service and adoption of unfair trade practices; they sought refund with interest, compensation and litigation expenses.

Builder / Company (Opposite Parties no.1–4) — Principal Arguments

  • Alleged concealment by complainants and contention that complainants fall outside the statutory definition of consumer (i.e., purchased for commercial/resale purpose) — burden shifted to complainants to prove otherwise.
  • Time for delivery was "tentative" and thus not of the essence of the contract; delay does not automatically entitle the complainants to refund.
  • Claims were time-barred (limitation) — the complaints are beyond limitation.
  • On merits: construction is "almost complete"; the builder has applied for statutory permissions/occupation certificates which are yet to be issued; builder committed to pay Pre-EMIs and delayed compensation till offer of possession.
  • In CC No.235, objection that Sh. Sushil Ansal was wrongly impleaded as a director at the relevant time and his name should be deleted.
  • Objection that jurisdiction clause in the agreement ousts the Commission's jurisdiction (forum-selection clause). Counsel relied on precedent (M/s Sonic Surgical & National Insurance Company) as support.

Housing Development Finance Corporation Ltd. (HDFC) — Principal Points

  • No specific allegations directed at HDFC; it disclaimed direct concern in the builder-complainant dispute.
  • In the event the Commission orders refund to complainants, HDFC sought a first charge in its favour so it could seek apportionment of its dues (i.e., protect its lending position).

Table of Precedents Cited

Precedent Rule or Principle Cited For Application by the Court
Kavit Ahuja v. Shipra Estates, I (2016) CPJ 31 Authority on the burden/onus to show the purchaser did not fall within the statutory definition of "consumer" (i.e., purchased for trading/resale). Court noted the builder failed to discharge onus; therefore complainants held to be "consumers" under Section 2(1)(d) of the Act.
Emaar MGF Land Limited & Anr. v. Krishan Chander Chandna, First Appeal No.873 of 2013 (decided 29.09.2014) Onus is on the developer/builder to prove stage/status of construction and that approvals/permissions were obtained. Court applied this principle and held the builder failed to produce evidence about construction stage or approvals; adverse inference was drawn against the builder.
Pioneer Urban Land & Infrastructure Ltd. v. Govindan Raghavan; Fortune Infrastructure v. Trevor D. Lima & Ors. (2018) 5 SCC 442 Non-delivery of possession by the promised date entitles the allottee to seek refund of the amount paid (material violation by builder). Court relied on these authorities to hold that inordinate delay in possession justifies ordering refund with interest to meet ends of justice.
H.U.D.A. v. Neelam Sharma, Civil Appeal No.3417 of 2003 (decided 18.08.2004) In refund cases the Interest Act applies and 12% p.a. interest is appropriate from the date of deposit until repayment. Court adopted 12% p.a. as the rate of interest to be awarded on refund amounts.
Alok Kumar v. M/s. Golden Peacock Residency Pvt. Ltd. & Anr., Consumer Case No.1315 of 2018 (decided 06 Sep 2019) National Commission awarded interest at 12% p.a. while ordering refund in a similar context. Court cited this decision to support awarding 12% p.a. interest on refunds.
Section 12 of the PAPR Act read with Rule 17 Statutory provision indicating that where amount is to be refunded under the PAPR Act, interest at 12% p.a. is to be paid. Court relied on this statutory provision as additional support for awarding interest at 12% p.a. on refunds.
Lata Construction & Ors. v. Dr. Rameshchandra Ramniklal Shah & Anr.; Meerut Development Authority v. Mukesh Kumar Gupta, AIR 1999 SC 380; II 2000 (1) CPC 269; (2012) CPJ 12 (SC) When possession is not offered, there is a continuing cause of action in favour of the allottee/buyer; limitation objection rejected. Court held there was a continuing cause of action and rejected limitation objection accordingly.
M/s. India Bulls Real Estate & Wholesale Services Ltd. & Ors. v. Vemparala Srikant & Anr., First Appeal No.797 of 2017 (decided 16 Aug 2017) Authority for holding directors (involved in decision-making) jointly and severally liable along with the company for acts done. Court applied this principle to reject the builder's objection and hold the Whole Time Director (Sh. Sushil Ansal) liable where appropriate.
Associated Road Carriers Ltd. v. Kamlender Kashyap & Ors., I (2008) CPJ 404 (NC) A jurisdiction clause in an agreement cannot oust the jurisdiction of consumer fora; distinction between CPC jurisdiction rules and consumer law provisions. Court relied on this to reject the builder's objection that the contractual jurisdiction clause ousted the Commission's territorial jurisdiction where part of the cause of action arose locally.
Ethiopian Airlines v. Ganesh Narain Saboo, IV (2011) CPJ 43 (SC) = VII (2011) SLT 371 Principle that restriction of jurisdiction to a particular court need not be given effect where part of the cause of action arose elsewhere. Court cited this as part of the authority to accept that a part of cause of action in these cases arose within Chandigarh jurisdiction.
Cosmos Infra Engineering India Ltd. v. Sameer Saksena & Anr., I (2013) CPJ 31 (NC); Radiant Infosystem Pvt. Ltd. & Others v. D. Adhilakshmi & Anr., I (2013) CPJ 169 (NC) National Commission decisions holding that agreement clauses excluding jurisdiction of other fora do not prevent filing where part of cause of action arose in the forum chosen by complainant under consumer law. Court relied on these to reinforce the territorial jurisdiction conclusion and reject the builder's forum-selection objection.
M/s Sonic Surgical & National Insurance Company, Civil Appeal No.1560 of 2011 (Supreme Court) Supreme Court allowed appeal where no part of cause of action arose in the forum where complaint was filed; distinguished on facts. Court distinguished the Sonic Surgical case on facts (there, no part of cause of action arose in Chandigarh) and held it was inapplicable to the present matters where part of cause of action arose in Chandigarh.

Court's Reasoning and Analysis

The Commission set out its reasoning in a structured sequence. The key analytical steps are summarized below, following the Commission's own approach and language:

  1. Common hearing and consolidation rationale: The two complaints were heard together because issues and factual matrix were substantially the same; therefore a consolidated order was appropriate.
  2. Consumer status: The Commission examined the builder's contention that complainants did not fall within Section 2(1)(d) (i.e., were not "consumers"). Noting the builder produced no documentary evidence to support that contention, the Commission held that the onus rested on the builder to show purchases were for trading/resale. Relying on authority (Kavit Ahuja), the builder's failure to discharge this onus led to the conclusion that the complainants are consumers.
  3. Non-delivery of possession — undisputed facts: It was not disputed that substantial payments were made by complainants and that possession was not delivered by the contractual/committed dates (23.03.2017 in CC187; 04.03.2015 in CC235). The builder did not offer firm dates for completion at the hearing.
  4. Directed document production and adverse inference: The Commission had directed the builder to produce documentary proof regarding registration, licences, CLU, LOI, approved site plan, completion certificate, photographs, list of directors and company assets. The builder repeatedly failed to produce these despite opportunities. The Commission drew an adverse inference that the project was launched in contravention of the PAPR Act, 1995 (i.e., necessary approvals/sanctions had not been obtained before launching and selling units).
  5. Onus of proof as to construction stage and approvals: Quoting Emaar MGF authority, the Court reiterated that the onus to prove stage/status of construction and that approvals were obtained lies on the builder. Since the builder produced no affidavits/reports from engineers/architects or other cogent material, the Commission found the builder failed this onus.
  6. Misrepresentations and unfair trade practice: Considering the totality (booking, agreements, payments, absence of approvals, failure to deliver possession and failure to honour subvention obligations), the Commission found false representations that induced complainants to enter into disadvantageous contracts. The builder's conduct was held to amount to deficiency in service, negligence and adoption of unfair trade practice.
  7. Time as essence of contract / force majeure: The Commission rejected the builder's claim that time was not of the essence. The Commission held that absent proof of force majeure circumstances preventing completion, the builder was legally bound to deliver possession by the committed dates; clauses relating to possession made time the essence.
  8. Relief rationale — refund and interest: Given the continuing and inordinate delay (and the builder's uncertainty about completion), the Commission concluded that ordering refund with interest would "meet the ends of justice." The Commission examined authority on the appropriate rate of interest and concluded that 12% p.a. was appropriate (citing HUDA v. Neelam Sharma, National Commission decisions and Section 12 of the PAPR Act/Rule 17).
  9. Limitation and continuing cause of action: Applying precedents (Lata Construction; Meerut Development Authority v. Mukesh Kumar Gupta), the Commission held that where possession is not offered there is a continuing cause of action, rejecting limitation objections.
  10. Liability of directors: On the issue of joinder and liability of Sh. Sushil Ansal as Whole Time Director, the Commission relied on signatory/CIN/LLPIN evidence showing he was a Whole Time Director from 30.06.1967 to 11.08.2018 and that complainants made payments during his tenure. Applying authority (India Bulls case), the Court held such directors, being involved in decision making, can be jointly and severally liable with the company; the objection to his impleadment was rejected.
  11. Territorial jurisdiction: The builder's argument that the contractual jurisdiction clause ousted the Commission's jurisdiction was rejected. The Commission relied on consumer-law precedents (Associated Road Carriers; Ethiopian Airlines; Cosmos; Radiant Infosystem) distinguishing Sonic Surgical on facts. Because part of the cause of action arose within the Commission's territorial jurisdiction (documents were issued from the Chandigarh office), the complaint was maintainable before the Chandigarh Commission.
  12. Remedies directed: After applying the legal principles and weighing evidence and failures to produce documents, the Commission fashioned reliefs (refunds with interest at 12% p.a., directions to repay loans to financiers, compensation for mental agony and litigation expenses, and timelines with default interest consequences in the event of non-compliance).

Holding and Implications

Holding (core ruling): Both complaints were partly accepted (partly allowed) with costs.

Direct consequences and operative directions (as recorded by the Commission):

  • Consumer Complaint No. 187 of 2019 (Ajay Prasher v. Ansal & Anr.):
    • Opposite party no.1 (Ansal Properties & Infrastructure Ltd.) is directed to refund the entire amount actually paid by the complainant from his own funds towards the unit, along with interest @12% p.a. from the respective dates of deposits onwards.
    • Opposite party no.1 is directed to refund to the complainant any amounts he paid to opposite party no.2 (HDFC) towards EMIs where those were the builder's liability under the subvention scheme (as admitted).
    • Opposite party no.1 is directed to repay the entire loan amount to opposite party no.2 (HDFC) released by it in respect of the unit, along with any Pre-EMI installments due, till date.
    • Until the loan is repaid to HDFC, opposite party no.1 remains bound to pay equated monthly installments/Pre-EMI interest to HDFC, together with up-to-date interest on the loan account, till realization.
    • Opposite party no.1 is directed to pay lump sum compensation of Rs.50,000/- to the complainant for mental agony, physical harassment and litigation expenses.
    • Timeline and default consequences (explicit in the order): Payment of amounts mentioned at serial nos. (i), (ii) (if any) and (iv) shall be made by opposite party no.1 to the complainant within 30 days of receipt of certified copy of the order. If not paid within 30 days, the amounts at sr. nos. (i) and (ii) (if any) will thereafter carry interest @15% p.a. from the date of default; interest @9% p.a. will apply on the compensation amount (sr. no. (iv)) from the date of filing of the complaint till realization, in addition to other directions.
    • Complaint against opposite party no.2 (HDFC) in CC No.187 is dismissed with no order as to costs, subject to the above directions (i.e., protection and repayment mechanisms involving HDFC are set out).
  • Consumer Complaint No. 235 of 2019 (Gurpreet Kaur & anr. v. Ansal & ors.):
    • Opposite parties no.1 to 4 (the builder/company and associated concerned parties) are directed to refund the entire amount actually paid by the complainants from their own funds towards the unit, along with interest @12% p.a. from the respective dates of deposits onwards.
    • They are directed to refund to the complainants any amounts paid by the complainants to opposite party no.5 (HDFC) towards EMIs, if such payments were the builder's liability under the subvention scheme (as admitted).
    • They are directed to repay the entire loan amount to opposite party no.5 (HDFC) released to the company for the unit, along with any Pre-EMI installments due, till date.
    • Until the loan is repaid to HDFC, opposite parties no.1 to 4 must pay equated monthly installments/Pre-EMI interest to HDFC along with up-to-date interest on the loan account till realization.
    • Opposite parties no.1 to 4 are directed to pay lump sum compensation of Rs.50,000/- to the complainants for mental agony, physical harassment and litigation expenses.
    • Payment of amounts mentioned at sr. nos. (i), (ii) (if any) and (iv) shall be made by opposite parties no.1 to 4 to the complainants within 30 days from receipt of certified copy of the order. (The order text for further/default consequences in CC No.235 is truncated in the provided extract; only the above directives are explicitly recorded in the provided text.)

Broader implications (as identified by the Commission in the order):

  • The decision reinforces the proposition that a builder/developer who fails to produce statutorily-required permissions and who fails to deliver possession by committed dates may be held liable for deficiency in service and unfair trade practice.
  • The Commission applied established principles that onus lies on a developer to prove approvals and construction-stage, that time can be made the essence of the contract by clause, that 12% p.a. is an appropriate rate where refunds are ordered, and that directors involved in decision-making may be held jointly and severally liable.
  • The order confirms that contractual jurisdiction clauses cannot bar filing of consumer complaints where a part of cause of action arose in the chosen consumer forum's territory.
  • No new legal principle was elaborated beyond applying and following existing authorities and statutory provisions; the order applies established precedents and statutory directives to the facts of these cases to grant specific reliefs to the complainants.

Note: This summary is strictly based on the content of the provided opinion excerpt. Where the provided text was truncated or did not record subsequent portions of the order (for example, the completion of certain directions in CC No.235) the summary reproduces only those parts explicitly present in the supplied opinion.

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    Gurpreet Kaur v. M/s Ansal Properties & Infrastructure Limited

    Complaint case No. : 187 of 2019 Date of Institution : 27.08.2019 Date of Decision : 09.07.2020 1. 1. STATE CONSUMER DISPUTES REDRESSAL COMMISSION, U.T., CHANDIGARH Ajay Prasher s/o Sh.Ram Gopal Prasher, R/o House No.55B, Udham Singh Nagar, Ludhiana, Punjab. Complainant V e r s u s Ansal Properties & Infrastructure Ltd., through its Managing Director/Director (Email:- )pranav@ansalapi.com Corporate Office Address;- SCO No.12A, Ansal City Centre, Kharar Landran Road, Sector 115, S.A.S. Nagar, Mohali. Head Office Address:- 115, Ansal Bhawan, 16-Kasturba Gandhi Marg, New Delhi-110001 ..Opposite party no.1 Housing Development Finance Corporation Limited, through its Chairman/Managing Director/Authorized Signatory, SCO No.14, Green Park Avenue, Canal Colony, Near Nehru Sidhant Kendra, Pakhowal Road, Ludhina-141001 -1- Complaint case No. : 235 of 2019 Date of Institution : 18.10.2019 Date of Decision : 09.07.2020 1. 2. 1. 1. E-mail:- gurpeetgs@hdfc.com ..Opposite party no.2 Present through Video Conferencing:- Sh.Rachit Kaushal, Advocate for the complainant. Sh.Sandeep Kumar, Advocate for opposite party no.1. Ms.Neetu Singh, Advocate for opposite party no.2. ============================================================== Gurpreet Kaur, W/o Sh. Gurmit Singh, House No. I-A, Preet Hospital, Bhupindra Road, Opposite PWD Rest House, Patiala, Punjab-147001. Harshpreet Singh, S/o Sh. Gurmit Singh, House No. I-A, Preet Hospital, Bhupindra Road, Opposite PWD Rest House, Patiala, Punjab-147001. ...Complainants Versus M/s Ansal Properties & Infrastructure Ltd. having its registered office at 115, Ansal Bhawan, 16, K.G. Marg, New Delhi - 110 001, through its Whole Time Directors, Sh. Sushil Ansal and Sh. Pranav Ansal. (Also at: M/s Ansal Properties & Infrastructure Ltd. having its office at SCO 183-184, Sector 9 C, Madhya Marg, Chandigarh through its Whole Time Directors, Sh. Sushil Ansal and Sh. Pranav Ansal). Sh.Sushil Ansal, Wholetime Director of M/s Ansal Properties & Infrastructure Ltd. having its office at SCO 183-184, Sector 9 C, Madhya Marg, Chandigarh. -2- 2. 3. 1. 1. Sh.Pranav Ansal, Wholetime Director of M/s Ansal Properties & Infrastructure Ltd. having its office at SCO 183-184, Sector 9 C, Madhya Marg, Chandigarh. Sh.Anil Kumar, Managing Director of M/s Ansal Properties & Infrastructure Ltd., having its office at SCO 183-184, Sector 9 C, Madhya Marg, Chandigarh. .....Opposite Parties Housing Development Finance Corporation Limited (HDFC) having its office at SCO No. 153-155, Sector- 8 C, Madhya Marg, Chandigarh. ..Performa Party Present through Video Conferencing:- Sh.Savinder Singh Gill, Advocate for the complainants. Sh.Sandeep Kumar, Advocate for opposite parties no.1 to 4. Ms.Neetu Singh, Advocate for opposite party no.5. Complaints under Section 17 of the Consumer Protection Act, 1986 BEFORE: JUSTICE RAJ SHEKHAR ATTRI, PRESIDENT. MRS.PADMA PANDEY, MEMBER MR. RAJESH K. ARYA, MEMBER. JUSTICE RAJ SHEKHAR ATTRI, PRESIDENT By this order, we propose to dispose of aforesaid two consumer complaints. Arguments were heard in common, in the above cases, as the issues involved therein, except minor variations, here and there, of law and facts are the same. Since, the facts involved in the above complaints, by and large, are the same, therefore, we are of the opinion that these complaints can be disposed of, by passing a consolidated order. In consumer complaint bearing no.187 of 2019 titled as Ajay Prasher Vs. Ansal it is the case of the complainant that on submittingProperties & Infrastructure Ltd. and anr., an application form dated 23.04.2012 (Annexure C-1) to opposite party no.1, vide allotment letter (Annexure C-2), he was allotted an apartment bearing no.0164-0-191, Second Floor, measuring 1245 square feet, in the project launched by it, under the name and style -3- 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. Victoria Floors Golf Links II, basic sale price whereof was fixed at Rs.39,22,000/-. Thereafter, he was relocated to Unit No.B-191, Second Floor in Victoria Floors, Sector 116, Mohali, vide letter dated 12.11.2013 (Annexure C-3). However, despite the fact that substantial amount of Rs.38,54,826/-, stood paid by him to opposite party no.1, yet, it failed to deliver possession of the said relocated unit by 23.03.2017 i.e. within a period of 36 months (30 months plus (+) 6 months extended period) as per Clause 5.1 of the Agreement dated 24.03.2014 (Annexure C-4) for dearth of construction and development works at the project site. Number of requests made by the complainant, written as well as oral, to opposite party no.1 to deliver possession of the relocated unit, did not yield any result. It has been averred that for making payment towards price of the said unit, the complainant has availed housing loan from opposite party no.2, under subvention scheme, under which, opposite party no.1 committed to pay Pre-EMIs till possession of the unit is delivered, yet, it has also come to his knowledge that opposite party no.1 has defaulted in making payment of the said Pre-EMIs also, which is effecting the CIBIL score of the complainant. It has been pleaded that it has also come to the knowledge of the complainant that necessary approvals/sanctions have also not been obtained by opposite party no.1 for launching the project in question. Similarly, in consumer complaint bearing no.235 of 2019 titled as Gurpreet Kaur and it is the case of the complainantsanr. Vs. Ansal Properties & Infrastructure Ltd. and ors., that on submitting an application form dated 08.06.2011 (Annexure C-1) to opposite parties no.1 to 4, they were allotted an apartment bearing no.0164-0-256 GF, measuring 1395 square feet, in the project launched by it under the name and style Victoria Floors, Golf Links II, vide allotment letter (Annexure C-2). Total sale price of the said unit fixed at Rs.49,56,240/-. However, in this case also, despite the fact that substantial amount of Rs.46,33,829/- stood paid by the complainants to opposite parties no.1 to 4, yet, they failed to deliver possession of the said unit by 04.03.2015 i.e. within a period of 36 months (30 months plus (+) 6 months extended period) as per Clause 5.1 of the Agreement dated 05.03.2012 (Annexure C-3) for dearth of construction and development works at the project site. It has been averred that for making payment towards price of the said unit, the complainants have availed housing loan from opposite party no.5, under subvention scheme, under which, opposite parties no.1 to 4 committed to pay Pre-EMIs till possession of the unit is delivered, yet, it has also come to their knowledge that opposite parties no.1 to 4 have defaulted in making payment of the said Pre-EMIs also, as a result whereof, the complainants had to make payment of the said Pre-EMIs. By stating that the aforesaid act and conduct of opposite party no.1 (in CC No.187 of 2019) and opposite parties no.1 to 4 (in CC No.235 of 2019) [hereinafter called as the builder/Company), amount to deficiency in providing service and adoption of unfair trade practice, these complaints have been filed by the complainants seeking directions to the builder/Company, to refund the amount paid alongwith interest, compensation and litigation expenses. The claim of the complainants, in both the complaints, has been contested by the builder/Company, on numerous similar grounds, that the complainants haveinter alia, concealed material facts from this Commission; that they did not fall within the definition of consumer, as defined under Section 2 (1) (d) of the Act; that because the period of 36 months, for delivering possession of the units was tentative, as such, time was not to be considered as essence of the contract; and that the complaints filed are beyond limitation On merits, the fact of payments made by the complainants towards the units in question, as mentioned in the complaints; execution of agreements; non delivery of possession of the units by the promised dates or by the dates when these complaints have been filed, has not been disputed. However, it has been stated that the builder/Company is -4- 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. committed to pay Pre-EMI to the Bank(s) concerned, under subvention scheme and also delayed compensation as per terms and conditions of the agreements till offer of possession of units is delivered to the complainants; that construction of the units is almost complete; that the builder/Company, has applied for statutory permissions with the competent authorities which have not been issued till date; that the Company has already applied for occupation certificates with the competent authorities, and as soon as the same are received, possession of the respective units will be delivered to the complainants. In consumer complaint bearing no.235 of 2019, an additional objection has been raised by the builder/Company, that opposite party no.2 i.e. Sh.Sushil Ansal, has been wrongly impleaded as necessary party in this complaint, as he was not the Director of the Company at the relevant time, and as such, his name be deleted from the array of parties in the complaint. Prayer has been made to dismiss the complaints. HDFC Limited (opposite party no.5 in CC No.235 of 2019 and opposite party no.2 in CC No.187 of 2019) in its respective written versions pleaded that since no specific allegations have been levelled against it, as such, it has no concern, with the dispute, qua the complainants and builder/Company However, its Counsel pleaded that, in case, this Commission comes to the conclusion that the complainants are entitled to refund of amount paid, then first charge be ordered in favour of HDFC Limited (opposite party no.5 in CC No.235 of 2019 and opposite party no.2 in CC No.187 of 2019), so that it is able to seek apportionment of its dues, in the respective cases. This Commission has afforded adequate opportunities to the parties to adduce evidence in support of their respective contentions, by way of filing affidavits. In pursuance thereof, they have adduced evidence and also produced numerous documents. We have heard the contesting parties and have gone through the evidence and record of the cases, very carefully. First we will deal with the objection raised to the effect that the complainants did not fall within the definition of consumer. It may be stated here that the objection raised is not supported by any documentary evidence and as such the onus shifts to the builder/Company to establish that the complainants, in both the complaints, have purchased the respective units in question to indulge in purchase and sale of units/flats as was held by the Honble National Commission in but since theyKavit Ahuja vs. Shipra Estates I (2016) CPJ 31 failed to discharge their onus, hence we hold that the complainants, in both the complaints, are consumers as defined under Section 2(1)(d) of the Act. There is no dispute with regard to the fact that, the complainants had booked the units, in question, in the project of the builder/Company, against which substantial amounts, referred to above, have been received by the Company. It is also not in dispute that possession of the units booked by the complainants, was not offered to them, by the promised dates i.e. by 23.03.2017 [within a period of 36 months (30 months plus (+) 6 months extended period] as per Clause 5.1 of the Agreement dated 24.03.2014 (Annexure C-4) in CC No.187 of 2019 and by 04.03.2015 [ within a period of 36 months (30 months plus (+) 6 months extended period] as per Clause 5.1 of the Agreement dated 05.03.2012 (Annexure C-3) in CC No.235 of 2019, for dearth of construction and development works at the project site. This fact has also not been disputed by the Company, in the written replies filed in these complaints. However, in the written replies filed, no firm commitment to hand over possession of the units in the near future has been made by the Company. It has only been casually stated that work is almost complete and possession of the unit will be delivered soon, on receipt of statutory clearances and occupation certificates from the competent Authorities. -5- i. ii.

    iii. iv. v. vi. i. i. ii.

    iii. 1. At the time of arguments also, Counsel for the builder-Company failed to apprise this Commission, as to by which date, construction will be completed and possession of the units, can be handed over to the complainants. Not even a single reason has been given for delay in offering possession of the units in question to the complainants. It may be stated here that during pendency of these complaints, this Commission vide orders dated 29.08.2019 and 22.10.2019 directed the builder-Company through its Counsel, to produce on record the following documents, duly authenticated, to apprise us, as to whether, the Company was competent to launch the project and sell units/plots therein to the general public including the complainants or not:- Registration Certificate of the project with the competent authority. Copy of requisite Licence issued by the Competent Authority under Punjab Apartment and Property Regulation Act 1995. Change of Land Use (CLU) pertaining to the project in question. Letter of Intent (LOI). Copy of approved site plan of the project. Completion Certificate of the project. Latest photographs of the site/unit in dispute. Current list of Managing Director/Director(s) of the Company. Detail of Bank Accounts of the Company. List of properties both moveable and immoveable of the company and its Managing Director/Director(s) which can be attached in execution of the decree. However, it is significant to mention here that even thereafter also during pendency of these complaints, despite the fact that number of opportunities were given to the builder-Company to place on record the aforesaid documents, yet, it failed to furnish the same for the reasons best known to it. Under these circumstances, we are of the considered view that by not placing on record the aforesaid documents, the builder-Company has attracted an adverse inference that the project in question had been launched in contravention of the Punjab Apartment and Property Regulation Act, 1995 i.e. it has failed to obtain necessary approvals/sanctions for launching the said project and selling the units therein to the prospective buyers. Our view is further fortified from the contents of joint written replies filed by builder-Company, in the respective complaints, wherein, it has been candidly stated that period of possession was to run from the date when all approvals/ sanctions/permissions in respect of the project in question were received, which are still awaited, which clearly means that the same had not been obtained before launching the project in question. This act of builder-Company amounts to deficiency in providing service and adoption of unfair trade practice. It is settled law that onus to prove the stage and status of construction and development work at the project site and that all the permissions/approvals have been obtained in respect thereof, is on the builder/developer. It was so said by the Honble National Commission, in Emaar MGF Land Limited and another Vs. Krishan Chander . It is very strange that in theChandna, First Appeal No.873 of 2013 decided on 29.09.2014 present cases, not even an iota of evidence has been placed on record by the builder-Company to prove as to at what stage, construction and development work has -6- 1. 1. 2. 3. reached at the project site and that as to whether approvals/sanctions have been obtained from the competent Authorities to launch the said project. In case, the development/construction activities are being undertaken and almost complete at the project site, then it was for the builder-Company, which could be said to be in possession of the best evidence, to produce cogent and convincing documentary evidence, in the shape of the reports and affidavits of the Engineers/Architects, as they could be said to be the best persons, to testify, as to whether, all these development/construction activities, are being undertaken and almost complete at the site or not, but it failed to do so. Furthermore, there is nothing on record to show that the builder-Company suffered any force majeure circumstances, on account of which, construction and development work at the project site could not be completed and possession of units was not delivered to the complainants by the committed dates, referred to above, or even thereafter. From the peculiar circumstances of this case, it has been proved that the builder-Company made false representations, which were materially incorrect and were made in such a way that the complainants, to whom it was made, were entitled to rely upon it and they may act in reliance on it. The complainants are thereby involved in a disadvantageous contract with builder-Company and suffered financial loss, mental agony and physical harassment. Representations/statements made at that time were believed to be true. All the facts established that from the very inception there was intent to induce the complainants to enter into the contract by way of signing agreements, referred to above, and also intent to deceive them, which act amounts to grave deficiency in providing service, negligence and adoption of unfair trade practice on the part of the builder-Company. As far as objection taken by the builder-Company to the effect that time was not the essence of contract, it may be stated here that, in the absence of any force majeure circumstances, having been faced by it, it was legally bound to deliver possession of the units in question, by the committed dates, referred to above. Other than the Clauses referred to above, with regard to delivery of possession of the units by the stipulated period, there is no Clause, which speaks about the period/date for delivery of possession of the units to the complainants. Thus, the builder-Company cannot wriggle out of the commitments made vide the Clauses aforesaid, with regard to time/period for delivery of possession of the units, in each complaint. It is therefore held that time was unequivocally made the essence of contract. In view of above, plea of the builder-Company to the effect that time was not essence of the contract or that no definite period was given to offer possession of the units, being devoid of merit stands rejected. In CC No.187 of 2019 possession of the unit in question was to be delivered by 22.03.2017 and in CC No.235 of 2019 on 04.03.2015, yet, the same has not been done so far. There has been an inordinate delay in the matter. Still, the builder-Company is not sure, as to by which date, possession of the units can be delivered to the complainants, in each complaint. The complainants cannot be made to wait for an indefinite period on the bald assurances given by the builder-Company that they are ready to pay compensation for the period of delay in delivering possession or that they are committed to pay Pre-EMI to HDFC Limited, from where loan has been obtained by the complainants, under subvention scheme, in both the complaints. It is well settled law that non-delivery of possession of plots/units in a developed project by the promised date is a material violation on the part of a builder and in those circumstances, the allottee is well within his/her right to seek refund of the amount paid. Our view is supported by the principle of law laid down by the Honble Supreme Court of India in the case -7- 1. 1. 2. titled as Pioneer Urban Land & Infrastructure Ltd. Vs. Govindan Raghavan, Civil Appeal and also in No.12238 of 2018, decided on 02.04.2019 Fortune Infrastructure Versus Trevor D In the present cases also, since there has been an inordinate delayLima & Ors. (2018) 5 SCC 442 . in offering possession of the units, in question, and the same is still continuing one, as the builder-Company is not sure as to by which date/year possession of the units could be delivered to the complainants, as such, we are of the considered opinion that if we order refund of the amount paid by the complainants alongwith interest, in each complaint, that will meet the ends of justice. Now, we will deal with the question, as to what rate of interest should be awarded to the complainants, while ordering refund of amount paid, in each case. It may be stated here that a similar question, as to what rate of interest should be granted while ordering refund of the deposited amount, in case, the builder fails to deliver possession of residential units/plots, by the stipulated date, fell for determination before the Hon`ble Supreme Court of India in H.U.D.A. Vs. Neelam Sharma, Civil Appeal no.3417 of 2003 decided on . In the said case, the Hon`ble Supreme Court held that in case of refund of18.08.2004 amount, the Interest Act would apply and 12% interest is to be granted from the date of amounts deposited till repayment. The Honble National Commission also, in Alok Kumar Vs. M/s. Golden Peacock Residency Private Limited & Anr., Consumer Case No. 1315 of while ordering refund of the amount paid, awarded interest2018, decided on 06 Sep 2019 @12% p.a. Not only as above, even under Section 12 of the PAPR Act, read with Rule 17 of the Rules thereunder, it has been specifically mentioned that if the amount is to be refunded, it is to be refunded alongwith interest @12% p.a. It is therefore held that if interest @12% p.a. is awarded on the amount to be refunded to the complainants, in each case, that will meet the ends of justice. Since, it is an admitted fact that possession of units in question, in both the complaints, has not been offered to the complainants by the date these complaints have been filed or even thereafter, nor the Company is in position to do so, as explained above, as such, there is a continuing cause of action in their favour to file these complaints in view of law laid down in Lata Construction & Ors. Vs. Dr. Rameshchandra Ramniklal Shah and Anr., and II 2000 (1) CPC 269=AIR 1999 SC 380 Meerut Development Authority Vs. Mukesh wherein it was held that when possession of theKumar Gupta, IV (2012) CPJ 12 (SC), residential units is not offered, there is a continuing cause of action in favour of the allottee/buyer. Objection raised in this regard, as such, is rejected. As far as objection taken by the builder-Company, in CC No.235 of 2019, that Sh.Sushil Ansal-opposite party no.2 has been wrongly impleaded as party to this complaint as he was not the Director, at the relevant time, it may be stated here that the complainants by way of placing on record signatory details (Annexure C-8) of the Company (wherein the CIN/LLPIN has been mentioned), has proved that opposite party no.2 remained the Whole time Director of the Company starting from 30.06.1967 till 11.08.2018. In this complaint, the complainants have booked the unit on 08.06.2011 and made payments to the company starting from 11.06.2011 to 13.01.2014 i.e. during the period when opposite party no.2 was holding the position of Whole Time Director in the Company. Opposite party no.2 alongwith other Directors, names of whom have been mentioned in this complaint, are holding such important positions in the Company, where they are directly involved with the decision-making process in the Company and will be jointly and severally liable alongwith the Company, for all the acts done. Similar view was taken by the Honble National -8- 2. 3. Commission, in a case titled as M/s. India Bulls Real Estate & Wholesale Services Ltd. & .Ors, Vs. Vemparala Srikant & Anr., First Appeal No. 797 of 2017, decided on 16 Aug 2017 In this view of the matter, objection taken stands rejected. At the time of arguments, another objection was taken by Counsel for the builder-Company to the effect that since the parties by way of Clause 11.2 of the agreement have agreed that any dispute arising out of the units, in question, shall be got resolved by the courts, wherein the project in question is located i.e. Mohali, as such, jurisdiction of this Commission is ousted. We do not agree with the objection raised, for the reasons to be recorded hereinafter. It may be stated here that all the provisions of the Code of Civil Procedure are not applicable, except those, mentioned in of the Act, to the proceedings, in aSection 13 (4) Consumer Complaint, filed under the Act. For determining the territorial jurisdiction, to entertain and decide the complaint, this Commission is bound by the provisions of of the Act.Section 17 In theAssociated Road Carriers Ltd., Vs. Kamlender Kashyap &Ors., I (2008) CPJ 404 (NC), observations made by the Honble National Commission, was to the effect that a clause of Jurisdiction, by way of an agreement, between the parties, could not be made applicable, to the consumer complaints, filed before the Consumer Foras. It was further held, in the said case, that there is a difference between / of the Act, and the provisions of Sections 15 to 20Sections 11 17 of the Civil Procedure Code, regarding the place of jurisdiction. In the instant cases, a part of cause of action arose to the complainants, within the territorial Jurisdiction of this Commission, at Chandigarh, as the application form (Annexure C-1) dated 23.04.2012, allotment letter (Annexure C-2), letter dated 12.11.2013 (Annexure C-3) with regard to of unit in CC No.187 of 2019 and also allotment letter (Annexure C-2) in respect of the unit in CC No.235 of 2019. In Ethiopian Airlines , the principle of law, laidVs Ganesh Narain Saboo, IV (2011) CPJ 43 (SC)= VII (2011) SLT 371 down, was that the restriction of Jurisdiction to a particular Court, need not be given any importance in the circumstances of the case. In Cosmos Infra Engineering India Ltd. Vs Sameer Saksena & another I (2013) CPJ 31 (NC) and Radiant Infosystem Pvt. Ltd. & Others Vs D. the agreements were executed, between the parties,Adhilakshmi & Anr I (2013) CPJ 169 (NC) incorporating therein, a condition, excluding the Jurisdiction of any other Court/Forum, in case of dispute, arising under the same, and limiting the Jurisdiction to the Courts/Forums at Delhi and Hyderabad. The National Commission, in the aforesaid cases, held that such a condition, incorporated in the agreements, executed between the parties, excluding the Jurisdiction of a particular Court/Forum, and limiting the Jurisdiction to a particular Court/Forum, could not be given any importance, and the complaint could be filed, at a place, where a part of cause of action arose, according to f the Act. The principle of law, laid down, in the aforesaidSections 11 / 17 o cases, is fully applicable to facts of the instant cases. It may also be stated here, that even if it is assumed for the sake of arguments, that the complainants had agreed to the terms and conditions of the agreement, limiting the Jurisdiction to the Court, referred to above, the same could not exclude the Jurisdiction of this Commission, at Chandigarh, where a part of cause of action accrued to them (complainants), to file these complaints. In view of above, objection taken by Counsel for the builder-Company, in this regard, therefore, being devoid of merit, must fail, and the same stands rejected. At the same time, it is also held that reliance placed by Counsel for the builder-Company on , decidedM/s Sonic Surgical and National Insurance Company, Civil Appeal No.1560 of 2011 by the Honble Supreme Court of India, is misplaced because the facts of the present cases are totally different. In on 13-14th February, 1999 at 10.00 p.m., fireM/s Sonic Surgical case (supra), took place in the godown of the appellant at Ambala. However, for claiming compensation, the appellant filed a claim petition before this Commission, keeping in mind that the Branch office of the Insurance Company is located at Chandigarh, which was allowed. Appeal filed by the Insurance Company, against the order passed by this Commission was allowed by the Honble -9- 1. i. ii.

    iii. iv. v. vi. National Commission holding that since no part of cause of action arose at Branch Office of the Insurance Company at Chandigarh, as such, this Commission has no jurisdiction to entertain and adjudicate the complaint. It was under those circumstances, held by the Honble Supreme Court of India that since admittedly the fire broke out in the godown of the appellant at Ambala; the insurance policy was also taken at Ambala; and the claim for compensation was also made at Ambala; as such, no part of the cause of action arose in Chandigarh. Whereas, in the instant case, as stated above, admittedly a part of cause of action arose to the complainants, within the territorial Jurisdiction of this Commission, at Chandigarh, as the application form (Annexure C-1) dated 23.04.2012, allotment letter (Annexure C-2), letter dated 12.11.2013 (Annexure C-3) with regard to unit in CC No.187 of 2019 and also allotment letter (Annexure C-2) in respect of the unit in CC No.235 of 2019, were issued by the builder-Company, from the office located at Chandigarh i.e. from SCO No.183-184, Sector 9-C, Madhya Marg, Above British Library, Chandigarh-160017. As such, objection taken in this regard stands rejected. For the reasons recorded above, both these complaints are partly accepted, with costs, as under:- In Consumer Complaint bearing No.187 of 2019, opposite party no.1 is directed as under:- To refund the entire amount, actually paid by the complainant-Ajay Prasher from his own sources/pocket, at the time of booking and thereafter also, towards part price of the unit in question, alongwith interest @12% p.a., from the respective dates of deposits onwards . To refund the amount to the complainant, if any, paid by him to opposite party no.2, towards equated monthly installments, on the loan amount, as it was the liability of opposite party no.1, under subvention scheme, as admitted by it in its written statement also. To repay the entire loan amount to opposite party no.2, released by it in favour of the Company, in respect of the unit in question alongwith pre-EMI installments, if any due, till date. It is also made clear that till the time, the entire loan amount is not repaid to opposite party no.2, opposite party no.1 shall be bound to pay the equated monthly installments/Pre-EMI interest to opposite party no.2, alongwith up-to-date interest on the loan account, till realization. To pay compensation for causing mental agony and physical harassment and also litigation expenses, in lumpsum, to the tune of Rs.50,000/- to the complainant. The payment of amounts mentioned at sr.nos.(i), (ii) (if any) and (iv) shall be made by opposite party no.1 to the complainant within a period of 30 days from the date of receipt of a certified copy of this order, failing which the amount mentioned at sr.nos.(i) and (ii) (if any), thereafter shall carry interest @15% p.a., from the date of default and interest @9% p.a., on the amount mentioned at sr.no. (iv) from the date of filing of this complaint, till realization, besides compliance of other directions given. Complaint against opposite party no.2 is dismissed with no order as to costs, subject to directions aforesaid. In Consumer Complaint bearing No.235 of 2019, opposite parties no.1 to 4, jointly and severally, are directed as under:- -10- i. ii.

    iii. iv. v. vi. 1. 2. To refund the entire amount, actually paid by the complainants, from their own sources/pocket, at the time of booking and thereafter also, towards part price of the unit in question, alongwith interest @12% p.a., from the respective dates of deposits onwards . To refund the amount to the complainants, if any, paid by them to opposite party no.5, towards equated monthly installments, on the loan amount, as it was the liability of opposite parties no.1 to 4, under subvention scheme, as admitted by them in their written statement also. To repay the entire loan amount to opposite party no.5, released by it in favour of the Company, in respect of the unit in question alongwith pre-EMI installments, if any due, till date. It is also made clear that till the time, the entire loan amount is not repaid to opposite party no.5, opposite parties no.1 to 4 shall be bound to pay the equated monthly installments/Pre-EMI interest to opposite party no.5, alongwith up-to-date interest on the loan account, till realization. To pay compensation for causing mental agony and physical harassment and also litigation expenses, in lumpsum, to the tune of Rs.50,000/- to the complainants. The payment of amounts mentioned at sr.nos.(i), (ii) (if any) and (iv) shall be made by opposite parties no.1 to 4 to the complainants within a period of 30 days from the date of receipt of a certified copy of this order, failing which the amount mentioned at sr.nos.(i) and

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    Gurpreet Kaur v. M/s Ansal Properties & Infrastructure Limited
    (Jul 9, 2020)