Delay by DDA costs Rs 5 lakh

The consumer commission also asked DDA to hand over possession of the flat within one month because Mehta has deposited the consideration amount in full and transfer deed has been executed. The commission also disapproved the DDA’s reasoning that that ongoing repairs led to the delay in handing over possession. DDA was unable to specify the nature of repairs or the time required to complete them.

The Bench, presided by Justice Barkat Ali Zaidi, said, “The plea from the side of DDA is that the flat was being repaired and the possession will be given. It is not specified what the repairs are and when they will be completed. We have to take this plea as vague and indifferent....”

Mehta had appealed to the commission seeking enhancement in the compensation awarded to him by a district forum when he had earlier complained against DDA for delay in handing over possession of his flat.