Buyer can now claim interest even for a 22-month delay in possession

In a city where inordinate delays in receiving possession of flats has become commonplace, the state consumer commission has held that even a delay of 22 months entitles a flat buyer to claim interest. The commission ruled in favour of Malad resident Neela More who had booked a 607 square feet flat for Rs 13 lakh in June 2000, but got its possession 22 months later, in April 2002. In addition to the 24% interest levied for the 22 months on the Rs 13 lakh, the state commission ordered the builder to pay Rs 1 lakh as compensation for the mental agony caused. More filed the complaint against Ceekeam Enterprises before the Maharashtra State Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission in 2003.