DELAYED POSSESSION DISPUTE WITH THE BUILDER If you’re amongst the lakhs of buyers who have invested a large chunk of your hardearned money into a residential or commercial project and the builder is nowhere close to finishing it anytime soon, here are a few recourses in which a property management lawyer should be able to guide you. The usual track record of timely completion and possession of flats or plots has been especially poor in metropolitan cities like Mumbai, Delhi, Pune, Gurgaon, etc. The list of delayed projects includes prominent builders like DLF, Unitech, Jaypee and Raheja Developers. The Apex Court has recently adjudicated that a buyer/allottee shall be covered by the definition of “consumer” under the Consumer Protection Act, 1986. It has been held that since the allottee doesn’t have a say in the business, any loss accrued to him because of the promoter, shall be compensated by the promoter himself. Further, in another recent case, the National Commission for Consumer Disputes Redressal held that in such cases, the allottee is entitled to refund, interest and depending upon the facts of the case any other compensation that the Court deems fit. If you’re looking to invest in a new property, here are a few points you should consider before you invest and also consult a property management lawyer1. There are less chances of a project getting stalled due to lack of funds if private companies or investors fund it. It is advisable to conduct the purchase through an attorney. 2. The buyer/allottee has the right to ask for construction schedule while making payments. If you haven’t been provided with one or the builder hasn’t asked for payment lately, there might be a chance of the project getting stalled. 3. The buyer has the right to ask for a copy of project drawings, stamped by the municipal corporation. In fact, you can also ask for plans and documents of common areas after the possession of the property. 4. The buyer can claim refund along with the interest in case the promoter fails to comply with the contract or the sale agreement. If you have faced a similar situation in the past, or are currently accruing losses due to the negligence of the promoter/builder, you can redress your problems as follows – 1. Before you approach any Tribunal, Authority or Court; serve a legal notice with the help of your property management lawyer, to the builder stating your grievances and the relief you are seeking.