Hrera imposes costs on builders for not replying to notices

COSTS, RANGING FROM ₹ 2,000 TO ₹50,000, WILL BE PAID TO COMPLAINANTS AND THE AUTHORITY

PANCHKULA : The Haryana Real Estate Regulatory Authority (Hrera), Panchkula, while cracking down on builders seeking frequent adjournments without filing replies to notices issued to them in buyer complaints, has imposed costs on builders to be paid to complainants and the authority. The cost imposed ranges from Rs 2,000 to Rs 50,000.

In ND Sardana versus Ansal Properties & Infrastructure Ltd (respondent), the authority held on April 24 that the respondent’s reply was not filed.

“It is for the second time that such default in filling of written statement has been committed by the respondent.

Costs imposed vide order passed on the previous date that is April 6, 2018 are neither paid to the complainant nor even deposited in the officer of the Authority.”

The authority finding “no merit” in the arguments of the respondent, held, “the authority does not find any justification to waive off the costs and since the respondent has again committed default in filing reply, grants him one more opportunity for filing reply subject to payment of further costs of Rs 50,000 to be deposited in the office of the Authority.”

In another case, Neelu Sardana versus Ansal Properties & Infrastructure Ltd, the authority imposed costs of Rs 50,000 on the builder (respondent) to be deposited with it for committing default in filing reply.

In another case, Vijay Kumar versus Aarcity Builders Pvt Ltd (respondent), the authority issued show-cause notice to the respondent, “As to why he shall not be penalised for not complying with the order dated April 6 as regard filing of reply and payment of costs.” The authority also directed, “The respondent is further burdened with cumulative cost of Rs 10,000 and Rs 50,000 payable to the complainant and the Authority respectively in all three complaints against the promoter pending for today (April 20).”