Video of ‘poor quality flats’ recoils on buyers
Lodha warns Wadala New Cuffe Parade homebuyer of legal action
It was in a dream home that Shilpi Thard and husband Amit Jaisingh invested when they purchased two apartments in the renowned Lodha project in New Cuffe Parade, Wadala.
The couple had pumped in a whooping Rs 3.5 crore and Rs 2.5 crore in the two flats in 2012, when it was an under construction project. However, when they were handed over the keys of these two flats in February 2018, they were disappointed.
Says Shilpi, “They call it a seven star luxury apartment, but the flats have been poorly constructed. The internal walls are not fire resistant, sound proof, or durable. We are scared, burglars can easily break into our house.”
Shilpi alleged the apartment has gypsum walls, which are not suitable for Indian weather; they also found out, the other wings now have brick walls.
"If the gypsum walls were so good then why would they have to switch over to brick walls," questions Shilpi.
In order to establish the condition of their flats, Shilpi made a video and uploaded it on YouTube with the title - How safe are Lodha's NCP flats against burglars? To which, Hariani & Co advocates and solicitors, on behalf of the Lodha group, issued them a notice on January 9, 2019. Shilpi has been asked to remove the video immediately, which has been termed an ‘offensive video’.
“You will have to submit an unconditional apology for placing the video on YouTube. The contents are false, incorrect and misleading and since the video is still accessible there is a continuous loss of image, reputation, and goodwill. If you (That is, Shilpi) fail to comply with the requisitions, our client (Lodha) will have no other option, but to initiate appropriate legal action," reads the notice copy. A copy of the notice is also with The Free Press Journal.
“We have received extortion demands from two individuals who are behind the WhatsApp video which we have declined to entertain. The dry wall technology at the project has been used in global projects like Burj Khalifa as well as many developments in India, including leading hotels and hospitals. If these individuals have a real issue, other than their extortion aims, why don't they approach the appropriate court .... ” — LODHA
Shilpi, however, is undeterred. "I will continue my fight and will not remove the video or delete it. I have done nothing wrong. I am paying monthly instalments (EMI) of Rs 5 lakh every month, which is a big amount for me."
Shilpi said after getting the keys of their flats, first, the possession was delayed by nearly two years and, now, going by the condition of her flats, it has forced her to decide not to move in.
“My family is suffering a lot. It is not safe to live in these apartments. I am currently staying in a rented flat and paying Rs 15,000 per month in Bangalore city. Along with this rent, I am paying the EMI."
Jaisingh's family want these flats fixed (repaired) properly or want their refund, along with an interest of 18 per cent.
"I am not the only one suffering, but there are other homebuyers who also invested in this project and are regretting now. I have two WhatsApp groups of around 150 people each who feel betrayed with the quality of flats given to them. I am ready to knock at the doors of appropriate court. Besides this, I already complained to the Mumbai Police to lodge a First Information Report (FIR) for cheating," said Shilpi. A Lodha spokesperson issued a statement to The Free Press Journal. "We have received extortion demands from two individuals who are behind the WhatsApp video which we have declined to entertain. The dry wall technology at the project has been used in global projects like Burj Khalifa as well as many developments in India, including leading hotels and hospitals. Dry wall is 2-3x more expensive than conventional walls and is safer, better for maintenance and hence, used by us. If these individuals have a real issue, other than their extortion aims, why don't they approach the appropriate court where the truth can be decided upon? Lodha delivers thousands of homes each year across Mumbai. In New Cuffe Parade (NCP) itself, we have delivered homes to 1000 customers and there is a thriving community of 500 families staying there - the quality of work can be verified by anyone by visiting."