PUDA, BDA told to compensate Mansa plot buyers

Sanjeev Singh Bariana

Advertisement

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, October 18

The Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission has directed the Punjab Urban Planning and Development Authority (PUDA) and the Bathinda Development Authority (BDA) to refund amount varying between Rs 4.50 lakh and Rs 11.72 lakh to eight buyers of plots in PUDA Enclave, Budhlada, Mansa.

The complainants alleged that even after over three years, the authorities had failed to develop the plots.

President of the commission, Justice Paramjeet Singh Dhaliwal (retd) and member Rajinder Kumar Goyal have also directed the housing authorities to pay 12 per cent interest on the amount from the date of deposits, besides compensation for harassment in all cases. The order has to be implemented within 30 days of the receipt of the copy of the orders.

Usha Rani of Boha village invested in a plot under a PUDA scheme in 2013, as per which they were to get the possession, that too with good infrastructure, within 18 months. After depositing Rs 11.71 lakh, Usha Rani received a re-allotment letter, stating all development works had been completed. On visiting the site, she was shocked to see that a majority of the facilities were yet to be made available.

She, along with seven other complainants, engaged a civil engineer, who gave a detailed report on the site earlier this year. The report showed that the site had not been developed as yet. Internal roads were incomplete. Water supply lines were laid but not yet connected.

The commission asked PUDA to refund Rs 11.72 lakh to Usha Rani, along with 12 per cent interest, besides a compensation of Rs 12,000 for mental harassment. In other complainants, the commission has ordered the authorities to refund Rs 7.50 lakh each to Ritu, Kamlesh, Amrit Paul Goyal and Rajesh Kumar; Rs 6 lakh each to Ramesh Kumar and Saroj Rani; Rs 4.50 lakh to Parkash Chand, along with the fine and interest.

Work delayed 

• The complainants alleged that even after over three years, the authorities had failed to develop the plots. 
• They said they were told that they would be given the possession within 18 months.