Gurugram , Apr 6 (PTI) Haryana Real Estate Regulatory Authority (HRERA) has ordered builder Chintels India Pvt Ltd to pay compensation of over Rs 4 crore to a homebuyer, who had filed a complaint over construction defects in her flat.
The complaint was filed by Delhi resident Aruna Garg, who had purchased a 4 BHK flat in Tower C of the project located in Sector 109, an official said on Monday.
She paid approximately 1.8 crores, more than the agreed price, and took possession in October 2019. However, soon after, problems began to appear in the flat, including broken tiles, uneven floors, and cracks in the balcony and common areas. Despite complaints, the developer did not fix these issues.
The matter came to a head on February 10, 2022, when a portion of Tower D collapsed, killing two people and injuring others. Subsequent investigations by the district administration and IIT Delhi revealed that chlorides in the concrete used in the construction had caused the steel to rust.
Experts stated that the building's condition was so poor that repairs were technically and economically unfeasible. The HRERA stated in its order that the entire project was no longer habitable and that Chintels India was solely responsible. The buyer was not to blame, having been assured of international-standard construction.
The authority, taking into account the increased property prices in Sector 109, fixed the compensation at Rs 13,000 per square foot and ordered an amount of Rs 4.09 crore to be paid to Garg. Further, the total amount is subject to 10.8 per cent annual interest until it is fully paid.
The builder was also directed to refund Rs 4.6 lakh in stamp duty, Rs 2 lakh for mental harassment, and Rs 50,000 as litigation expenses. However, claims for rent, EMIs and other additional claims were rejected.