PUDA told to refund 4 buyers with interest

The Punjab State Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission has ruled in favour of four purchasers of Punjab Urban Development Authority (PUDA) properties, ordering PUDA to refund the amounts paid by them along with interest. The ruling addresses complaints by buyers from various parts of the state who alleged that PUDA failed to complete development works and provide basic amenities as promised.

Justice Daya Chaudhary, president of the State Commission, and member Simarjot Kaur found PUDA guilty of not delivering properties within the stipulated time frame and deemed it as a deficiency in service. The commission also directed PUDA to compensate the buyers for harassment and mental agony.

Angrej Kaur from Faridkot will get Rs 13.75 lakh with 8% interest, while Balwant Singh, also from Faridkot, will get Rs 12.58 lakh with 9% interest. Karan Singh and Harish Kumar, both purchasers of plots in Jagraon, are entitled to Rs 14.36 lakh and Rs 13.75 lakh respectively, both with 8% interest. The interest is to be calculated from the date of filing the complaints until the actual refund is made.

PUDA’s failure to provide basic amenities such as water supply, sewerage, roads, and street lights, along with the delayed possession, was cited as the reason for the compensation. The commission upheld the orders of the respective district commissions and enhanced the interest rates to be paid to the affected buyers.