COL.L.S.BEDI Vs. DELHI DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY

JUDGEMENT

(1.) COMPLAINANT applied for allotment of a flat in the year 1995 and was declared successful in the draw of lot and was issued demand -cum -allotment letter in May, 1995. Inspite of having made payment of Rs. 5,82,155 he was handed over the possession in the District Forum where the original complaint was filed but due to pecuniary jurisdiction the complaint was filed before this Commision. Through this complaint the complainant is seeking interest on the deposit made by him for the period of the possession was delayed.

(2.) IT is settled law that unless and until there is term of contract between the parties as to the liability of payment of interest, interest is not awardable. However, the interest can be awarded if there are strong equitable grounds. Otherwise in terms of Section 14(1) of the Consumer Protection Act, 1986 the consumer is entitled to an amount of compensation as to the loss or injury suffered by him due to negligence on the part of the O.P.

(3.) WHILE explaining the delay in possession the Counsel for the respondent has contended that some of the documents which were required to be furnished by the complainant were furnished on 22.1.1996 and third copy of the challan of the last instalment was furnished on 28.10.1996 whereas the conveyance papers were issued by the O.P. in the year 1999 and complainant furnished the conveyance deed in July, 1999 whereafter the possession was delivered. Even if we go by the facts as pointed out by the O.P. the deficiency in service is writ large as the documents were furnished in the year 1996 including the proof of payment of the last instalment by production of third copy of the challan though it was duty of the O.P. to find out from its own record the details of the payment made by the complainant and received by it.