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The Ernakulam District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission has directed DLF to pay compensation to a buyer for a four-year delay in handing over an apartment in Kochi's Kakkanad area. The buyer, who had cleared almost the entire cost of the flat, was also forced to make additional payments, including charges for increased area. Construction issues and unauthorized deductions from their loan account further worsened the situation. The commission identified these as clear service lapses and unfair trade practices, instructing DLF to pay interest, refund rent spent during the delay, and provide compensation for mental distress and litigation costs.
The district consumer commission in Ernakulam has ordered DLF to compensate a homebuyer following a prolonged delay of nearly four years in handing over an apartment under the company's New Town Heights project in Kakkanad, Kochi. Advertisement
The complaint was filed by a buyer's family members who had jointly booked the flat and paid almost the entire amount. Despite this, the apartment was delivered after years of delay, during which the family had to bear additional financial and personal strain. The commission observed that the delay was significant and went against the terms agreed upon at the time of booking.
The homebuyer was compelled to pay an additional INR 10.22 lakh along with INR 2.74 lakh as extra charges, reportedly for an increase in flat area. The commission noted that these payments were made under pressure, adding to the financial burden. On top of this, the buyer faced poor construction quality, including problems with water supply and electrical systems. The complaint also highlighted that unauthorized deductions had been made from their loan account without consent, which the forum viewed as a serious irregularity.
In its ruling, the commission held that DLF had engaged in unfair trade practices and failed to provide the services promised to the buyer. It directed the company to pay 12% annual interest on the flat's purchase price for the entire period of delay. Additionally, the commission asked DLF to refund INR 5.76 lakh that the buyer had spent on rent while awaiting possession of the apartment. To address the mental distress, inconvenience, and litigation expenses, the forum awarded a further INR 1.10 lakh as compensation.
The order has reinforced the principle that builders cannot indefinitely delay possession after collecting payments from buyers, nor can they impose extra charges without transparent justification. The ruling also emphasised that consumer forums can intervene to provide relief when both financial and service deficiencies are evident.
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