The District Consumer Redressal Forum (Chennai South) has directed the builder to pay Rs 75,000 for not constructing a separate car parking area and a PVC roof on the terrace. The case pertains to one Vasantha Viswanathan, resident of West Mambalam, who filed a case with the forum in February 2002 against Ramesh Ramanathan, proprietor of Alonkar builders in Velachery. This was regarding the defects and damages in a flat built by builder.
As per the agreement, an exclusive car park was to be provided by the builder for which a sum of Rs 50,000 was remitted. However, Vasantha stated in her complaint that after construction, the only space available in the building was the eastern side setback which was only eight feet in breadth even though the builder agreed to give 10 feet width.
She said in this space cars could not be parked or taken out and there was insufficient space for passage when two-wheelers were parked. President of the consumer forum M Mony in his order quoted an inspection by the advocate commissioner which confirmed the complaint. “This amounts to deficiency in service and the builder is liable to pay compensation,” the order stated. As per the agreement, the builder was also supposed to construct a terrace which was to be covered with PVC light roofing. There was a failure and neglect on the part of the builder on this aspect as well, the forum said in the order. The forum directed the builder to pay a sum of Rs 25,000 for deficiency in car parking area, Rs 30,000 for the PVC light roofing, Rs 20,000 for causing mental agony and a cost of Rs 5,000 to the complainant.
